• From 1997–2005, Michigan’s certified organic cropland increased by 166 percent; the United States as a whole increased 63 percent over the same time period.

• Only 3 percent of Michigan’s certified organic farm acreage (45,500 acres) was in fruit production in 2005. Eighty percent of the organic acreage was planted to beans and grains.

• The average size of certified organic fruit and vegetable farms was 117 acres, with 85 acres in production.

• Most of the state’s certified organic farmers have been certified for less than ten years and –transitioned from conventional farming.

• Certified organic fruit acreage in 2005 totaled around 1,300 acres.

• Certified organic apple acreage increased from 228 to 545 acres between 1997 and 2005.

• Within the upper Midwest states, Michigan leads in the number of certified organic acres devoted to fruit.

• Production problems listed by fruit growers participating in the survey were weed control, insect damage, and diseases.

• Michigan’s certified organic fruit farms sell mostly in local markets.