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Michigan agriculture director outlines priorities, warns bird‑flu remains a concern
Summary
Director Tim Boring told the House Agriculture Committee that MDARD will prioritize plant and animal diagnostics, biosecurity for highly pathogenic avian influenza, climate‑resilient and regenerative practices, and renewal of the freshwater protection fund. He said Michigan remains engaged with USDA surveillance and industry partners.
Director Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, told the House Agriculture Committee that the department will prioritize plant and soil diagnostics, biosecurity against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), climate‑resilient and regenerative practices, and renewal of the state’s freshwater protection fund.
Boring said the department is “positioning ourselves to seize opportunities” and stressed the economic significance of Michigan agriculture, including recent craft‑beverage figures and Ag Census data. "We have 5,200,000 gallons of craft beverage here in the state," he said, and noted the 2022 Ag Census lists about 200 commodities produced in Michigan and a roughly 20% reduction in the number of farms from 2017 to 2022.
Why it matters: MDARD’s priorities affect farm revenue, rural economies and interstate commerce for Michigan commodities. The department’s actions on disease surveillance, biosecurity and grant programs shape whether producers can move products…
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