Walters Gardens named Michigan exporter of the year

Mich. Governor Jennifer Granholm and Mich. Dept. of Ag. Director Don Koivisto selected Walters Gardens as the 2008 Mich. Ag. Exporter of the Year. The wholesale perennial grower in Zeeland, Mich., was chosen for its ability to build a strong reputation in the Canadian market with superior quality products. Granholm said the company’s products are available in every Canadian province which represents a superior commitment to exporting and market-share expansion. The company’s export sales grew 34% from 2007 to 2008 and account for 9% of its total sales. Koivisto said Michigan is the 2nd in the nation for ag. diversity and exports over 1/3 of its ag. commodities every year. Studies indicate Mich.’s ag. exports generated nearly $1.7 billion in 2008 and employed over 13,000 residents.