The Michigan Legislature is currently reviewing the state budget for 2023-24, with a focus on the funding for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). The proposed budget includes reductions in funding, with the House and Senate appropriations committees suggesting decreases of 19.6% and 13.3%, respectively. These reductions are primarily due to anticipated decreases in one-time project funding.
Efforts have been made to secure funding for initiatives promoting plant-based commodity education, outreach, and research that prioritize environmental sustainability. Representative Brixie's agriculture appropriations subcommittee has proposed allocating $7 million for the Solving Emerging Environmental Developments and Security Sustainability program.
There is consensus among the governor, House, and Senate to provide increased funding for MSU Extension and AgBioResearch, with recommendations ranging from 4% to 6%. This reflects the recognition of the crucial role played by research and extension services in supporting the agricultural industry.
The proposed budget addresses various aspects of agriculture in Michigan, including support for the agriculture and food industry supply chain, climate-smart farming initiatives, addressing emerging contaminants, disease mitigation practices, the Michigan Animal Agriculture Alliance, food and agriculture investment grants, local conservation districts, and the Fair Food Network's Double Up Food Bucks program.
The final decisions on budget allocations will be determined through a conference committee, where the chambers will work together to reconcile their differences and establish the funding priorities for MDARD and other agricultural programs. The outcome of this process will shape the final budget for the agricultural sector in Michigan.
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Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy