Insider Intelligence

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed March as Michigan Food and Agriculture Month. This is done to celebrate Michigan’s farmers, the diversity of products grown and processed in our state, and the partnerships that keep our food and agriculture industry thriving. The state has been an ideal location for food and agriculture businesses due to our […]

The Senate Appropriations Committee reported legislation that would allow farmers to apply soon for low-interest qualified loans. Introduced by Senator Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway), the bill would update the Agriculture Disaster Loan Origination Program to reflect the specific needs of the 2019 season and allow lenders to begin issuing loans with the $15 million appropriated by […]

As part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Happy Meal, several McDonald’s (an MLC client) restaurant owners were at the Capitol this week. In addition to being recognized from the Senate and House floors, they were presented with a tribute to acknowledge the contribution McDonald’s restaurants make to the state’s economy. In […]

On Tuesday, August 13, the Michigan House and Senate Agriculture Committees met in a joint hearing at Michigan State University to hear testimony from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan State University, Greenstone Farm Credit Services, the Michigan Farm Bureau, and the Michigan Agri-Business Association.  Testimony rotated […]

The House and Senate Committees on Agriculture are holding a special joint hearing next week to listen to the concerns of farmers and agricultural stakeholders. According to Representative Julie Alexander (R-Hanover), chairwoman of the House Agriculture Committee, the goal is to hear the concerns of those working in the industry as they navigate current challenges […]

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gordon Wenk will lead the next trade mission to Beijing and Guangzhou, China, on September 17-21. The goal of the mission is to allow Michigan food and agricultural companies to be immersed into the local food industry, while connecting with qualified Chinese buyers. The mission will include […]

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Jamie Clover Adams will lead a group of Michigan agribusinesses on a trade mission to Hangzhou and Shanghai, China, on November 6 – 8.  The mission includes one-on-one meetings with vetted buyers, retail tours, and briefings with U.S. Department of Agriculture officials.  The cost to participate […]