The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced Tuesday the department will fund research meant to aid the recovery of the dairy farms in the state being affected by the avian flu, or HPAI, outbreak.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development could see a last-minute increase in its department budget for efforts to combat the recent avian flu outbreak in the state.
A panel of state agency leaders moderated by Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Director Phil Roos discussed the implementation of Michigan's climate policy goals at the MI Healthy Climate Conference on Thursday.
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring signed an emergency order Wednesday in the wake of continued outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in dairy cattle in Michigan, which will require the implementation of biosecurity measures to ensure the state's food supply remains uncontaminated.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, has been detected in three additional herds of dairy cattle in Michigan, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced Friday.
One year into his tenure at the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Director Tim Boring is focused on steering one of the state's most wide-reaching agencies into a new climate-conscious era.
A Republican House member criticized the proposal from Governor Gretchen Whitmer to move to an opt-out system for the state's recreation passport program while a Department of Natural Resources official told lawmakers Tuesday the move is necessary to keep up with state park maintenance.
Proposed budgets for the Departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development would see funding for improvements to Michigan's state parks and the creation of a new regenerative farming initiative.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced a new grants management system, MiAgGrants, saying Wednesday it will be a streamlined system that will reduce user barriers.
The state included millions in funding for a climate resiliency program to help farmers and growers better adjust to extreme weather conditions, and those invested in Michigan's agriculture said the funding is a good start to research and implement best practices.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development budget for fiscal year 2023-24 includes $7 million for a new program to promote regenerative agriculture, with $1 million as ongoing within the Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division and $6 million as one-time funds.
Additionally, the budget included $6 million for a new grant program for soil health and regenerative agriculture. At least $1 million is ongoing for 5 full-time equivalent positions with the Pesticide Plant Pest Management Division, and $5 million will be one-time funding.