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Proposed boost to Michigan Department of Ag budget

The Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture says Governor Rick Snyder’s proposed budget recommendations include a $5 million increase for agriculture.

Jamie Clover Adams tells Brownfield the Governor has recommended almost $1.2 million to be earmarked for technical education and outreach on the Food Safety Modernization Act.  “We will be working with MSU Extension, conservation districts, and fruit and vegetable farmers on how they can start to bring their farms up and into compliance.”

She says the Governor has also proposed enhancing the Farmland Preservation Program.  “This will help us, along with efficiencies that we’ve found in the program, get back on track and provide the service that farmers expect.”

Clover Adams tells Brownfield $2 million will be set aside for the Rural Development Fund to support rural infrastructure.

The proposed budget for the department will be $91.6 million in fiscal year 2017, if approved by the Michigan legislature.

AUDIO: Interview with Director Jamie Clover Adams