Governor proposes $1 million for food hubs

Michigan’s need and opportunity to build stronger community and commercial connections between food producers and consumers is attracting important attention from the state capitol.

            Last week, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder presented his fiscal 2013-2014 budget recommendations. They include support for regional food hubs and other investments in the farm sector’s capacity to meet growing demand for healthy, green, fair, affordable food.

            State lawmakers will have the final say in budget process. But here are highlights from the Governor’s recommendation for Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development:

·      Regional Food Hubs - $1 million to support food hubs providing increased markets and value-added economic opportunities for Michigan farmers and businesses.

·      Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) – an additional $1 million to help us meet the goal of completing 5,000 verifications by 2015.

·      Migrant Labor Housing - $400,000 for additional migrant labor program staff to conduct seasonal housing inspections at Michigan’s 850 migrant labor camps which house 22,000 migrants.

·      Food Safety – an additional $500,000 to assist with preventive food safety measures, including implementing new federal Food Safety Modernization Act requirements.

·      Rural Development - $600,000 for additional staff to identify and coordinate increased rural and economic development efforts, and provide additional export market development expertise.

·      Conservation District Grants - $500,000 to provide landowners with assistance grants in managing their forestland to help increase the number of acres under a sustainable forestry management plan.

To view the Governor’s Executive Budget in more detail, visit http://www.michigan.gov/budget.  You can also let your state representatives and senators know what you think about these recommendations.