This feature highlights findings and recommendations from a recently released agricultural profile of the Great Lakes Basin. The profile was compiled by a binational project team, headed by the Great Lakes Commission. Collectively, the eight Great Lakes states account for 30 percent of all U.S. agricultural sales, including more than 26 percent of the nation's total agricultural exports, and a sizeable portion of total corn, soybean and milk production.
Canadian figures are equally impressive.
More than 13 million acres are in agricultural production in Ontario, and basin farms account for 22 percent of total Canadian agricultural production. About one-third of the land in the basin is used for agriculture, supporting nearly 25 percent of the total Canadian agricultural production and 7 percent of the U.S. production. Dairy, cash grain and livestock are the region's mainstays in terms of value and volume. In addition, unique climate niches have created a wealth of specialty crops in the region. The western shore of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, for example, provides excellent conditions for orchards and vineyards.