LANSING, Mich. -- The director of Michigan's Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) department likes what he sees in Governor Gretchen Whitmer's proposed state budget for fiscal 2025.
The Governor gave her annual presentation of the executive budget before a legislative panel Wednesday. The proposed $81-billion budget includes nearly $19-million for the state school aid fund. State Ag Director Timothy Boring tells WOOD Radio it bodes well for the future of agriculture in Michigan.
"When we look at the Governor's top-line recommendations here on education, economic development - these are initiatives that move the need for us in Michigan," Boring said.
MDARD is comprised of six divisions that try to cultivate and expand economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector and safeguard the public’s food supply, among other things.
Boring said the push to expand universal pre-K education will be a difference maker for farm families, because it will control costs. He also likes that the budget would provide funding for free pre-K for Michigan children, and tuition-free community college or skilled training for Michigan high school graduates.
"It's really important workforce development. For agricultural farms, food processors and businesses throughout the system," Boring said.
He added that state investments in education and technology are vital for the state's agriculture sector.
"When we see prioritized work around innovation and investments in communities - through things like renaissance zones, the continued work of the Office of Rural Prosperity. That drives businesses in Michigan, many of which are food processors," Boring said.
And they are instrumental in getting food on people's tables.
"They generated demand for agricultural products in meaningful ways. So, those top-level things are difference-makers in what agriculture looks like moving forward," Boring said.
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Michigan's Agriculture and Rural Development director Timothy Boring. Photo: Source: State of Michigan