Great Lakes Wire

Michigan's agriculture sector is poised to benefit from Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget Recommendation, as announced by Tim Boring, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). The proposed budget aims to enhance economic prosperity, regenerative agriculture, and agricultural diversification across the state.

"Michigan agriculture is a $105 billion industry for the state, and Governor Whitmer continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our farmers, producers and rural communities," stated Director Boring. He added that the budget recommendation "provides the resources we need to continue to prioritize emergency response, support economic prosperity and maintain our national status as an agriculture powerhouse."

The budget supports key MDARD programs with several allocations:

- $5.5 million is designated for protecting Michigan’s food supply. This funding will enable MDARD to implement biosecurity measures statewide to prevent animal disease outbreaks in the livestock industry.

- $2 million is allocated for rural development grants. These funds aim to expand the Rural Development Fund Grant Program supporting land-based industries and infrastructure projects like job training, childcare, housing, and utilities.

- $1.6 million will go towards plant, soil, and pest diagnostics. This investment will boost testing capacity for soil and plant diseases, providing growers with localized data necessary for safeguarding Michigan agriculture.

Damen Kurzer of the Michigan Seed Potato Association emphasized the importance of investing in diagnostic capabilities: "Investing in plant, pest, and soil diagnostic capabilities is increasingly important to Michigan potato growers and farmers of all kinds across state to ensure long-term sustainability and success of Michigan's agriculture future."

Lisa Woodke from Star of the West Milling Company noted their efforts in regenerative agriculture: "Star of the West is working with farmer customers to conduct soil health testing on more than 12,000 acres... Investments in laboratory testing capacity and analysis expertise... makes our company and our growers more competitive into the future."

MDARD’s share of the FY26 budget proposal totals $158.3 million with $85.9 million from general funds.