By Andi Anderson
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recently shared updates on Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Fiscal Year 2027 executive budget recommendation during a roundtable discussion in Oak Park.
MDARD Director Tim Boring explained the governor’s plans for strengthening Michigan agriculture and highlighted a new statewide initiative designed to support the next generation of farmers.
A major focus of the proposed budget is FarmStart, an innovative program that would help beginning farmers access the tools and information needed to succeed.
Boring emphasized its importance, stating, “FarmStart is an example of the intentional investments prioritized at MDARD under Gov. Whitmer’s leadership. With bipartisan support in the next fiscal budget, FarmStart will build on the success of our Farm to Family Program by coordinating and centralizing resources for the next generation of farmers and agricultural professionals to ensure our food, forestry and agriculture industry remains a powerhouse force in Michigan.”
The governor’s recommendation includes $2 million to launch FarmStart. The program would house a Beginning Farmer Resource Hub, which aims to centralize statewide resources related to agricultural education, land access, and farm financing.
It would also connect new and upcoming farmers to current MDARD programs such as the Farm to Family Program and the Regenerative Agriculture Program.
Boring added, “Our farmers, growers and agribusinesses know firsthand that current federal policies are creating a lot of uncertainty for the future of our industry. Gov. Whitmer’s budget recommendation makes clear that here in Michigan, we control the controllables to ensure success of the industry’s next chapter.”
The roundtable event included participation from producers, such as Keion Jackson of Kaaj Farms, who operates a goat‑grazing business in metro Detroit.
Jackson expressed strong support for the proposal, saying, “A program like FarmStart could really help Kaaj Farms expand and connect to other areas of the state. Knowing Gov. Whitmer and MDARD want to see me successful by offering a holistic approach to supporting myself and other young agriculture professionals is empowering. Ensuring we're being good stewards of the land is deeply fulfilling work, and I appreciated being at the table.”
Since 2019, MDARD has administered over a quarter billion dollars in grant funding to strengthen Michigan’s agriculture industry and support rural prosperity. One recent grant recipient is the City of Oak Park, which is developing a new food and event space designed to double vendor capacity and include a fully equipped shared‑use commercial kitchen.
City Manager Erik Tungate noted, “Our new event hub represents a transformational investment in Oak Park’s future. We are deeply grateful to the State of Michigan, MDARD, and all of our public and private partners who helped turn this vision into a reality.”
The FY 2027 recommendation also includes $1 million for the Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Bucks Program and $1 million to enhance oversight of food additives and dietary supplements.
Fair Food Network CEO Kate Krauss shared, “The Governor's budget reflects how serious her administration is about tackling the affordability crisis head-on.”
More information about the Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget Recommendation is available on the Michigan State Budget Office website.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy