In December 2001, the Michigan State Horticultural Society and the Michigan Vegetable Council combined their annual conventions, initiating the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO. The new EXPO immediately became one of the largest annual gatherings of fruit and vegetable growers and farm marketers in North America.

Since 2009, the Michigan Greenhouse Growers EXPO has been held concurrently with the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO. This expanded the overall program to include education sessions and trade show exhibitors for greenhouse growers. This conference is sponsored by the Metropolitan Detroit Flower Growers Association and the Western Michigan Greenhouse Association. One registration fee covers both conferences.