A changing landscape
Processing what we grow. Creating small-batch products. Selling directly to the consumer. Providing experience.
For decades, Old Mission growers depended on the wholesale model—sending fruit off the peninsula and losing both value and visibility in the process. Today’s farmer wants to chart a different path. By embracing direct-to-consumer sales and value-added processing, they’re building financially resilient farm operations that depend less on volatile markets and more on community connection. This shift empowers small farms, opens the door to new farmers , protects agricultural land, and supports the long-term viability of Old Mission’s historic farming economy.
agritourism
During the summer of 2025, members of our township came together to craft agritourism language for Peninsula Township zoning ordinances. The proposed definition below is currently being considered by the Planning Commission.
“An activity conducted on a working farm or agricultural property that is intended to involve members of the public. Agritourism includes activities including but not limited to U-pick operations, harvest festivals, farm tours, educational workshops, experiences utilizing on-site farm products including processed products, on-farm sales, farm stands, farm markets, farmers markets, farm-to-table gatherings, cooking classes using farm products, corn mazes, hay rides, nightly rental farm stays, classes and tours, horseback riding, small farm animal meet-and-greets, wildlife viewing, farmland art and photography, and food or beverage service related to on-site products including processed products.“
In 2007, the Michigan Agricultural Tourism Advisory Committee developed the Michigan Agricultural Tourism Local Zoning Guidebook and Model Zoning Ordinance Provisions. Created to help communities navigate local zoning challenges, the guidebook outlines ways farmers can expand into agritourism to support farm profitability and preserve farmland and open space across the state.
Farm Old Mission 