A recent op-ed in the NYT was criticized for omitting information on a study that concluded there were higher incidences of disease in free-range pork. The author responds.
Jim Byrum is serving as the President of the Michigan Agri-business Association (MABA) as well as serving as the chair of the Michigan Commission of Agriculture. He discusses his career, goals, and policy views.
Migrant labor housing in Michigan is regulated under part 124, of Act 368 of 1978 as a part of the public heath code. The administration of part 124 of the act falls under the purview of the Department of Environmental Health (DEH).
Tom Vilsack, the new agriculture secretary has suggested that one agency should be responsible for food safety, rather than the myriad of agencies under the current system.
A brief summary of the ramifications of the 2007 USDA Agricultural Census for Michigan.
Agriculture
Loans, Grants Can Help Farmers and Business Owners Be More Energy Efficient
Written by Heather O'Farrell
Monday, 31 May 2010 23:16
The US Michigan Department of Agriculture Rural Development has loans available for local small business owners and farmers to apply for, for funding of energy-efficient improvements or to install small renewable energy systems. There is approximately $11.4 million of funding available for these systems and improvements. The Michigan USDA will have $1 million in funding for projects greater than $20, 000 and $830, 000 available for requests less than $20,000. After the state funding is exhausted the applications are then sent to the national level to compete for funding. The areas that are eligible for grant money for energy efficient projects and improvements include: solar, biomass and geothermal energy, installation of more energy efficient motors, pumps, fans, blowers, compressors, grain dryers, irrigation projects, refrigerator units, ventilation systems, windows, insulation, heating systems, lighting systems, and plumbing fixtures. The loans and grants given out by the government will cover up to 75% or total eligible costs of the projects (with certain limits). The applications for these loans will be reviewed every two weeks and interested parties can apply until the money runs out.
Professor Paarlberg recently published a book entitled Food Politics which deals with the politics of food and agriculture. The discussion between Paarlberg and Kummer touches on many topics but is mainly focused on issues of agricultural sustainability and the future of agricultural development. No matter one's knowledge or stance on these issues the discussion is well worth watching. The discussion can be watched here.
Proposed Promotion of Urban Agriculture by Land Banks
Written by Chelsea Neblett
Friday, 26 February 2010 21:52
Senate Bill 1015 would amend the current Land Bank Fast Track Act, specifically sections 2 and 4. The Land Bank Fast Track Act presently allows state and local governments "to assemble or dispose of public property...to promote economic growth". Senate Bill 1015 would add the promotion of urban agriculture to the current act. The bill would prohibit the Land Bank Fast Track Authority from procuring profits related to agricultural operations that involve raising livestock and poultry.
CAFOs v. "Clean Water Act Enforcement Action Plan"
Written by Allison Gilpin
Saturday, 12 December 2009 06:06
At this time there is a growing concern over the Agriculture industry and clean water being contaminated by animal waste. Allegations have been in place accusing farmers and CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) of neglecting to properly take care of animal waste leading to the contamination of streams, rivers and causing disease to animals consuming this polluted water which could lead to human illness. Over recent years many cases have arose under certain similar investigations. The recently drafted plan to conserve clean water is primarily targeting the CAFOs and plan to pursue legal action of highly stressed water locations. Opponents of the CAFO are using many tactics to prove there is a problem in need of urgent resolution. The CAFOs pollute the air, water, and increase human health risks. Without further governmental assistance more people are at risk especially those in close proximity to such farms.
The Michigan Policy Network is a student-led public education and research program to report and organize news and information about the political process surrounding Michigan state policy issues. It is run out of the Department of Political Science at Michigan State University, with participation by students from the College of Social Science, the College of Communication, and James Madison College.
The thoughts, opinions, and positions represented herein are solely those of the participating students and in no way represent an official position or policy recommendation of Michigan State University.
Andrew Struska is Agriculture correspondent and fellow for the Michigan Policy Network. Andrew is a student in Journalism at Michigan State University.
