The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recently announced a significant investment of $3 million for the development of the „Farm to Family“ program. This initiative is part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s bipartisan Fiscal Year 2025 budget and aims to support Michigan’s food and agriculture industry while bringing locally grown crops to family tables across the state. The program is designed to promote agricultural diversity, create new economic opportunities, and increase access to healthy and affordable food options for Michigan residents.
A roundtable was held at the Georgia Street Community Collective in Detroit, bringing together various stakeholders including thought leaders, local companies, non-profit organizations, and municipal leaders involved in food production and distribution. The goal of the meeting was to gather insights and ideas on expanding local food networks and supply chains in Michigan. Organizations such as Michigan State University’s Center for Regional Food Systems, Americana Foundation, and Fair Food Network were among those who provided valuable input during the discussion.
MDARD Director Tim Boring emphasized the importance of the Farm to Family program in building climate resiliency within the food and agriculture industry. The program will focus on addressing gaps in agri-food value chains, particularly for small and medium-sized growers, as well as communities that have historically been underserved with local, healthy food options. The goal is to increase the availability of Michigan-grown food to consumers across the state.
Kathy Angerer, MDARD Chief of Staff, highlighted Governor Whitmer’s commitment to supporting Michigan’s food and farming communities. She expressed excitement about the diverse group of stakeholders involved in the discussions and their collective efforts to move Michigan’s food and agriculture sector forward. Participants at the roundtable provided programmatic ideas and suggestions to enhance the Farm to Family program and ensure its success in meeting the needs of Michigan residents.
In addition to the $3 million investment in the Farm to Family program, attendees also discussed other important investments in the Governor’s budget. This includes an additional $3 million to support the Fair Food Network’s Double-Up Food Bucks program, which helps low-income families access fresh, healthy foods. There is also a $5.1 million investment in climate-resilient agricultural practices to help farmers combat the impacts of climate change.
Overall, the investments made in Michigan’s food and agriculture industry through Governor Whitmer’s budget reflect a commitment to supporting local growers, promoting healthy food options, and building a more sustainable and resilient food system in the state. The Farm to Family program and other initiatives discussed at the roundtable are poised to make a positive impact on Michigan’s food economy and benefit residents across the state.
