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.
MI INVASIVE SPECIES GRANT PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program announced Friday it is accepting proposals until November 1 for programs to control and prevent the introduction or spread of invasive species.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is offering $30 million in grant funding to help producers and agricultural businesses follow environmental laws with the launch of a new wastewater infrastructure program.
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring said the 2023-24 fiscal year budget is instrumental in helping the department long-term, especially as it aims to protect crops from the harsh conditions of climate change and improve the state's diversity in food production.
Michigan set a new high for food and agriculture exports in 2022, with the industry bringing in $2.7 billion and growing by 8 percent year-over-year, according to a release from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.