State leaders take interest in food hubs

Communities across Michigan are in varying stages of developing regional food hubs for business incubation, local food distribution, and more. Now the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is taking notice of this powerful undercurrent in one of the state’s largest industries.

Late last year the MDARD gathered leaders of several regional food hub efforts from across the state in Lansing. The purpose of the day-long session was to gather input on next steps the MDARD should take, along with sister agencies, such as the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, to support these local food and farm business development efforts.

            MDARD Director Keith Creagh says, “a network of long-term, sustainable food hubs can help the state reach its health and wellness goals by increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.” He cites strong interest from Michigan Governor Rick Snyder who has noted the value of local agriculture development in recent addresses health and wellness and other topics. “A food hub collaborative can also create new jobs in farming, food processing and other agri-business endeavors,” Creagh says.

            For more information about the MDARD’s food hub effort, contact coordinator Jeanne Hausler at 517-373-9790, hauslerj@michigan.gov. For more information about regional food hubs in general, check out this U.S. Department of Agriculture-sponsored Web site at the National Good Food Network on the trend and examples from around the country.