MDARD Director Shares Budget Statement

LANSING, Mich.  -  Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring shared the following statement Friday on the Fiscal Year 2026 bipartisan budget signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer this week:

"This bipartisan budget ensures we can continue protecting Michiganders through our food safety efforts, creating economic opportunities for farmers and producers who put food on the table and preparing for future emergencies so we're ready to respond when emerging threats hit Michigan's ag industry.

"The deal also signals that we recognize the importance of the agriculture industry in Michigan, and I appreciate that our legislative partners and Governor Whitmer see our staff as a critical piece of our service delivery.

"At MDARD, we're focused on helping our farmers and businesses thrive, protecting the state from diseases, keeping our food supply safe and more. This deal ensures we can stick to our mission of improving quality of life for all Michiganders."

Key items in the MDARD budget include:

• $18.9 million for protecting Michigan's food supply and ensuring consumers have access to safe, quality products.
• More than $17.1 million in grant funding that strengthens Michigan agribusinesses, creates new jobs and drives economic prosperity across both peninsulas.
• More than $4 million for emergency management and threat mitigation that allows MDARD to prepare for and respond to emerging issues.
• $3 million for MDARD's Farm to Family Program, which is focused on strengthening food systems across the state by supporting small farmers, processors and business owners who are passionate about delivering healthy food to their communities.
• $2 million for MDARD's Regenerative Agriculture Program, which supports climate-smart efforts that assist producers with implementing soil health practices to improve resiliency and profitability.

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