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MDARD bureau emphasizes invasive-species work, Right to Farm support and export certification role
Summary
Officials described invasive-species detection and eradication, Right to Farm complaint response, a regenerative-agriculture demonstration with a Veterans of Foreign Wars home, and the bureau’s role issuing phytosanitary export certificates.
LANSING — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Bureau of Environment and Sustainability told a House appropriations subcommittee on Tuesday that its programs focus on soil health, water quality, invasive-species control, and helping producers meet export requirements.
Mike Phillip, director of MDARD’s Bureau of Environment and Sustainability, said the bureau conducts large-scale surveys for invasive pests, implements the state Right to Farm program and related generally accepted agricultural management practices (GAAMPs), and issues plant-health export certifications required by importing countries.
"We do a lot of work with invasive species prevention, detection, and response," Phillip said, recounting an early detection case in which routine sampling found plum pox virus on a single noncommercial tree; USDA confirmation allowed MDARD to remove the tree and surrounding plants and prevent broader establishment, he said.
Phillip highlighted partnerships and several program metrics during his presentation: MDARD disperses five emergency-response trailers across the state for livestock incidents; the department provides roughly 2,500 consultations a year for new and expanding food businesses; and the bureau issues about 7,000 export certificates annually to support trade to nearly 100 countries.
On Right to Farm complaints, Phillip described a 2018 case where outreach involving MSU Extension and a county conservation district helped a grazing operation come into compliance with GAAMPs, secure cost-share funding, pursue meat-verification systems and expand employment.
He also described a regenerative-agriculture demonstration farm established through a federal grant with the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home in Eaton Rapids, which officials said provides hands-on agricultural training to residents transitioning to civilian life.
Representative Tom O'Neil asked about international market disruptions and tariffs. Phillip said MDARD maintains contacts with Canadian counterparts and stakeholders and is monitoring potential impacts to Michigan’s large cross-border trade relationship, but that the agency’s role is focused on providing regulatory services and supporting stakeholders while policy and tariff discussions continue.
The subcommittee received the presentation and thanked MDARD staff for their service; no new rules or budget decisions were adopted at the hearing.
Less critical details: Phillip noted MDARD’s overall budget is a small fraction of the state budget (0.18 percent) and said the bureau works through partnerships with conservation districts, MSU Extension and federal agencies.
