Insider Intelligence

Dr. Timothy Boring was appointed director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) by Governor Whitmer this week. Dr. Boring has been serving as the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency since his appointment by President Biden in 2021. He previously operated his family’s sixth-generation family farm in Stockbridge, […]

Michigan’s food and agriculture businesses would be further empowered to export their products under legislation signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The new laws allow the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to certify the quality of agricultural products manufactured in Michigan and issue certificates of free sale, which shows a product is […]

Michigan food, agriculture, and forest product exports rose by 19% last year, totaling $2.5 billion. The state consistently ranks as one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation and demand continues to grow. “Michigan’s agriculture industry is critical to expanding economic opportunities and creating more good-paying jobs for Michiganders. We will stay focused on […]

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell has named Sarah Lucas to lead the newly created Office of Rural Development, effective April 18. Governor Gretchen Whitmer established the office in January to focus on the strategic needs of rural Michigan, including economic and workforce development, infrastructure, public health, and environmental sustainability. Prior to […]

Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March as Food and Agriculture month to honor and celebrate the state’s farmers, diversity of products grown and processed in our state, and the partnerships that keep the industry thriving. According to information from the executive office, the industry is annually responsible for 805,000 jobs and more than $104 billion of […]

Under the latest funding proposal introduced, $1.4 billion would be appropriated to improve Michigan’s food security and invest in rural communities. The legislation, introduced by Senator Roger Victory (R-Georgetown Twp.), would make a number of large investments: $350 million for food distribution security and stability grants $144 million for bovine TB mitigation at beef and […]

Residents have until August 27, 2021, to submit comments on the proposed drafts of the 2022 Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) for Michigan. The practices are reviewed each year by committees comprised of various experts and revised or updated, if necessary. All proposed GAAMPs changes are reviewed and approved by the Michigan Commission […]

On July 1, 1921, the Michigan Department of Agriculture was created by a public act. Now known as the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, it was created to promote the agricultural interests of the state. Michigan’s food and agriculture industry has a $104.7 billion overall impact on the state’s economy annually and employs 17.2% […]