In a slumping economy, Michigan's agricultural industry showed an almost 12 percent increase. “Agriculture is a force for economic stability in Michigan, with yearly economic impact estimated to be $71.3 billion, on the basis of data from 2007,” said Christopher Peterson, director, MSU Product Center and a study author. “This represents a $7.6 billion increase from the $63.7 billion impact projected in an analysis of 2006 data released last year.” Not too shabby considering these numbers represent 20% of the state's economy.