Jan 12, 2011

Governor makes changes to Michigan Department of Ag

Michigan governor Rick Snyder signed an order officially adding rural development to the Department of Agriculture.

As director of the newly-renamed Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Keith Creagh has been charged by the governor with integrating resources across government in order to make infrastructure improvements and expand educational opportunities that will make producers of food and other agricultural products anchors in rural communities, providing sustainable, long-term jobs.

“Agriculture today is a high tech industry that relies on trained professionals with knowledge of the newest methods from biology and chemistry to packing and shipping. Expanding educational opportunities will give Michigan’s agricultural producers a competitive edge and ensure jobs are available for recent graduates who want to stay in their home communities,” Creagh said.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will focus on expanding agriculture’s role in Michigan’s economy by making sure regulations are based on sound science and expanding programs such as the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, which aims to help farmers run environmentally-sound operations.

It will also work to improve customer service by providing technical assistance to food processors and farmers that need help solving permit and regulation issues.