By Andi Anderson
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recently hosted a roundtable at the Georgia Street Community Collective in Detroit to bring together thought leaders, local companies, non-profit organizations, and municipal leaders involved in food production and distribution across the state.
This event focused on developing the new “Farm to Family” program, a key initiative in Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s bipartisan Fiscal Year 2025 budget, aimed at bringing Michigan crops to family tables across the state.
“Governor Whitmer’s bipartisan budget will make a real difference in people’s lives and directly invests in Michigan’s growing food and agriculture industry,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “MDARD’s new Farm to Family program is designed to cultivate climate resiliency within our industry and will focus on building agricultural diversity, creating new economic opportunities across the state, and providing more access to healthy, affordable food options.”
Organizations like Michigan State University’s Center for Regional Food Systems, Americana Foundation, Groundworks Center, R.L. Jones Community Outreach Center, Georgia Street Community Collective, Fair Food Network, Farmish, Michigan Food and Farming Systems, Sanctuary Farms, Taste the Local Difference, Eastern Market Corporation, Make Food Not Waste, and the Detroit Food Policy Council provided vital insights during a robust conversation on expanding local food networks and supply chains.
“I applaud Governor Whitmer’s ongoing commitment to grow Michigan’s food and farming communities,” added Kathy Angerer, MDARD Chief of Staff who helped lead the meeting. “We’re thrilled to bring such a diverse group of stakeholders into discussions on how best to move Michigan's food and agriculture sector forward while bringing Michigan food to Michigander’s plate.”
Participants shared programmatic ideas and suggestions, identifying gaps in agri-food value chains particularly relevant to small and medium-sized growers, and communities historically underserved with local, healthy food options.
“The FY25 MDARD budget clearly reflects government listening and responding to people,” said Mark Covington, Founder of Georgia Street Community Collective. “Programs like Farm to Family will help more healthy food growing right here in Michigan be available to consumers across the state.”
In addition to the $3 million allocated for developing the “Farm to Family” program, attendees also discussed other significant investments in the Governor’s budget.
These include an additional $3 million to support the Fair Food Network’s Double-Up Food Bucks and a $5.1 million investment in climate-resilient agricultural practices in Michigan to help combat climate change and its impacts on farmers.
This roundtable marks a significant step towards enhancing Michigan's food supply chain, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, reflecting a collaborative effort to address the needs of the state's agricultural and rural communities.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nicexray
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy