Agriculture and food processing

Macomb County might be best known for its manufacturing prowess, but point the compass north, and you’ll find more than 450 active farms spread over 79,000 acres. That is 22% of the county’s total land mass.

In addition, Macomb County has also more than 100 food manufacturing businesses picked up by well known distribution and logistics companies like Carmela Foods and Lipari Foods. The county has benefitted from the huge growth in the food processing industry. It is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Surrounded by the Great Lakes and bordered by beautiful Lake St. Clair, Macomb County has more than ample clean fresh water for sustaining agriculture and food processing.

Why Macomb County?

Ranked in the top 5% of all counties nationwide in the dollar amount of products sold for nursery, greenhouse, floriculture and sod products. (Source: USDA Census data)
Food processors in Macomb County purchase more than $31.1 million in agricultural crops annually, of which 35.1% comes from Macomb County farms. (Source: Lightcast)
457 working farms, with an average size of 174 acres

Workforce snapshot

90%	Projected job growth from 2018-2028
2,719	Total jobs in 2018
4,004	Total jobs in 2023
5,054	Projected total jobs in 2028
108	Food processing establishments

Important industry data

Total crops by acreage

36,933 for soybeans
12,834 for corn and grain
4,707 for forage

(Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture)

Agriculture product sales data

$116.1 million in total products sold

$31.3 million in grains, oil seeds, dry bean and dry peas
$56.2 million in nursery, greenhouse, floriculture and sod
$5.9 million in vegetables, melons, potatoes and sweet potatoes
$5.1 million in milk from cows

(Source: 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture)

Programs available for businesses

Industry partners

Macomb Community College - The mission of MCC is to transform lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. The College's goal is to be a leader in higher education, improving society through innovative learning experiences that create pathways for personal advancement and drive economic vitality.
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development - MDARD’s mission is to deliver expertise and leadership to support economic development in Michigan’s food and agriculture industries. They help Michigan businesses navigate the licensing process and offer exporting assistance, regional business development information, grant funding support and research and educational materials.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation - The MEDC, in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies, and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has tools and resources to support businesses at any stage of growth.
Michigan Manufacturing Technical Center - The MMTC provides Michigan’s small- and medium-sized manufacturers with operational assessment, process improvement training, mentoring services, website technical assistance and market diversification tactics. It is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership providing access to industry-driven best processes and practices.
Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! - The Michigan Works! Association provides services and support to Michigan’s workforce development system. Through the Association, members can access timely, relevant professional development opportunities and ensure high-quality programs for all customers. The Association believes the key to advancing prosperity across the state is a skilled workforce.
SCORE SE Michigan - SCORE SE Michigan and their volunteer business mentors are dedicated to providing the best possible service to help small business owners achieve their goals. Face-to-face or online, their mentors are able and willing to aid in the success of small businesses.
Small Business Development Center - The SBDC enhances Michigan’s economic well-being by providing counseling, training, and secondary market research for new ventures, existing small businesses and advanced technology companies. With offices statewide, the SBDC impacts the economy by strengthening existing companies, creating new jobs, retaining existing jobs, and assisting companies in defining their path to success.