Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry in Washington, D.C. this week. His participation was part of a panel titled "Perspectives From the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy, Part 2."

During his opening statement, Director Boring emphasized the importance of specialty crop support programs for producers. "Since your invitation was extended for my testimony, I’ve been asked by producers to share with you just how vital specialty crop support programs are for their existence," he stated. He noted that many specialty crops face challenging times, impacting farmers' ability to pass their farms to future generations.

Boring highlighted the role of public sector research funded by Specialty Crop Block Grants and the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program in supporting growers. He shared an example from Michigan where cherry farmers suffered significant losses due to abnormal weather events leading to increased insect and pest pressure. "Losses such as these are becoming far more common," he said.

Director Boring stressed the need for a Farm Bill that supports growers through new research initiatives to ensure family farms' continuity amidst unprecedented challenges. He also pointed out that strengthening domestic markets is crucial for growers' success given uncertainties in trade partnerships.

He also mentioned successful MDARD programs supported by state funding under Governor Gretchen Whitmer's administration, including MDARD’s Regenerative Agriculture Unit and the new Farm-to-Family program.

The hearing recording and Director Boring’s written testimony are available on the committee’s website.