Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

Celebrate Earth Day the Right Way with Helpful Tips from MDARD

LANSING, Mich. – In celebration of Earth Day today, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is offering Michiganders tips to improve the health of their gardens, their lawns and the broader environment.

“This Earth Day, MDARD invites all Michiganders to join us in protecting the natural resources that make our state a great place to live,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Small but meaningful actions like planting a variety of species and using pesticides and fertilizer responsibly can help ensure a more sustainable future for Michigan.”

Regenerative practices are some of the best methods to build healthy soil and maximize water retention in lawns and gardens. More specifically, homeowners and gardeners can:

• Maximize biodiversity – Planting a variety of plants can provide food and habitat for local wildlife, attract pollinators and other helpful insects and reduce the need for pesticides by keeping pests in check.
• Maintain living roots – Choosing perennial plants that grow back every year promotes soil health and reduces the need for replanting.
• Keep soil covered and undisturbed – Using mulching materials can preserve moisture and prevent excessive tilling.

Although pesticides and fertilizer can help maintain lawns and gardens, improper use can contaminate water and damage the environment. Michiganders who use these tools should:

• Test the soil – Using too much fertilizer can harm plants and contaminate water. Soil and plant tissue testing can help determine whether and which fertilizer should be applied.
• Read labels carefully – Always follow the application rates, timing and safety instructions printed on the product label.
• Use alternatives to pesticides – Instead of using only pesticides, adopt integrated pest management practices such as removing food sources or shelter and addressing points of entry into spaces where pests are not wanted.
• Only apply when it’s dry – Applying pesticides or fertilizer before a rainstorm increases the risk of runoff, which can pollute water sources.
• Practice safe disposal – Never pour unused chemicals in the trash or down the drain. Visit MDARD’s Clean Sweep website and contact your local waste facility for safe disposal guidance.

For more information about improving soil health, planting native species and safe pesticides and fertilizer use, visit www.michigan.gov/mdard or follow MDARD on Facebook, Instagram or X.

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

INVITE: Making it in Michigan Trade Show Provides Opportunity to Support Small Businesses

LANSING, Mich. – Next month, Michiganders can support small businesses at the 16^th annual Making It In Michigan (MIIM) event.

The trade show will take place May 7, 2025 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Lansing Center and is free to attend. It’s part of the larger MIIM conference hosted by the Michigan State University (MSU) Product Center and sponsored by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The trade show will feature 155 vendors with quality food, beverage, and agricultural products made in Michigan, by Michigan small business owners. Members of the public are encouraged to walk around the show, interact with the various food vendors and booth exhibitors, and enjoy opportunities to support small business.

For updates and details on the trade show, visit the MSU Product Center Facebook page.

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

MDARD Shares Food Safety Reminders for Spring Holiday Celebrations

LANSING, Mich. — Spring is a season of rebirth and celebrating, including the celebration of Easter and Passover and the food-centered traditions they bring. As Michiganders prepare to celebrate, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) reminds hosts to keep food safety in mind as they cook for their families and friends.

Taking a few simple precautions to keep your food safe and your guests happy and healthy can ensure a successful celebration.

• Wash Hands Frequently: Handwashing is one of the most important steps to preventing foodborne illness. Research shows that handwashing lowers the rates of certain respiratory and gastrointestinal infections up to 23 and 48 percent, respectively. Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and warm, running water before, during, and after preparing foods; after using the restroom or blowing your nose; and after returning to the kitchen if you have to leave during food preparation.
• Clean and Separate: Start with a clean kitchen by washing all surfaces and utensils and use separate cutting boards for raw meats and other foods.
• Eggs: Hard boiled eggs should not be left at room temperature. Instead, refrigerate them until ready to serve. Cook all egg dishes until firm and set. If you plan to consume painted or dyed eggs, make sure to use food-grade dye. If you use real eggs in an Easter egg hunt, these should not be consumed after the hunt.
• Meats: Ham, brisket, lamb, and poultry are classic supper entrees. Keep in mind that various meats require different techniques of preparation. Use a food thermometer to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature. Plan ahead to allow enough time for meat to thaw safely and cook thoroughly before serving. Follow thawing and cooking instructions on the label.
• Side Dishes: The rule of thumb for side dishes is “keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold”. Bacteria grow most rapidly in the “danger zone” range of temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. If possible, place cooked hot foods in chafing dishes, preheated steam tables, warming trays, or slow cookers. Place cold foods in containers on ice. Never keep foods, whether served hot or cold, out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.
• Leftovers: If food has not been left at room temperature for more than two hours, leftovers can be safely refrigerated or frozen to be enjoyed later. Store leftover food in small, shallow containers in the refrigerator or in the freezer for later use. Shallow containers help cool leftovers more quickly than storing them in large containers. Leftovers should be consumed within four days. If you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze them within that four-day period. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely, though the quality may decrease over time. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within two to six months. Always reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F, using a food thermometer.

For more tips and resources regarding food safety, visit www.foodsafety.gov or www.Michigan.gov/foodsafety.

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

Program contact: Trevor Keyes, 517-237-1701

Michigan Sets New Record for Food, Ag and Forestry Exports

To mark National Agriculture Trade Day, MDARD shares exports reached nearly $3B last year

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring announced today that the state’s ag-related exports set a new record in 2024, reaching $2.9 billion. The new benchmark was released to mark National Agriculture Trade Day and represents a more than $282 million increase from 2023.

“Michigan farmers, food, and forestry workers are the best in the world,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Our $2.9 billion in ag-related exports last year demonstrate that Michigan is the best place to grow and harvest products like sugar beets, soybeans, dairy, and wood. I’m committed to supporting local communities across Michigan, with investments to support farmers, build agricultural diversity, and grow economic opportunity and rural prosperity. Let’s keep getting it done.”

“From urban farms in Detroit to the cherry orchards Up North, there’s something for everyone here in Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “The $2.9 billion in agricultural exports Michigan produced last year is a sign of our economic momentum, growing rural prosperity, and dominance as the most agriculturally diverse state with access to 20% of the world’s fresh water. Every Michigander in every corner of our state should be able to be their best selves and reach their full potential, and Governor Whitmer and I are committed to supporting local communities. Let’s keep standing tall for Michigan food, farmers, and forests.”

“This record-breaking success for our agriculture, food and forestry companies proves Michigan ag brings high-quality products to the table that are in high demand domestically and internationally,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “With so much uncertainty caused by new tariffs, these record numbers serve as an example of the economic prosperity we can foster with the right support and a level playing field. We’re proud to support Michigan farmers and producers as they expand their markets.”

Michigan is the most agriculturally diverse state with regular access to water, resulting in a wide range of exported products. From bulk corn to snack products, dried fruit and dairy products, the goods produced in Michigan vary greatly. The demand for high-quality Michigan products continues to grow in local, domestic and international markets.

Overall, processed food products represented the highest total value of Michigan’s food, agriculture, and forest products in 2024 at $636 million. The other top categories are sugar beet, soybean, soybean residue, brewing waste and animal feed at $393 million, dairy products at $303 million, pasta, bread and other starches at $285 million, and wood and articles of wood at $252 million.

The top five export markets for Michigan’s ag-related products in 2024 were Canada at $1.25 billion, Mexico at $452 million, South Korea at $174 million, Japan at $154 million, and China at $150 million.

MDARD’s International Marketing Program works to assist Michigan food, agriculture, and forestry businesses in developing domestic and international market opportunities. These opportunities include trade shows, buyers missions, trade missions, market research, and more. Events such as the 2025 Summer in the Cities Buyers Mission: Columbus Stop or the Focused Trade Mission to Canada for Retail and Food Service can help companies by setting them up with one-on-one meetings with interested, vetted buyers helping companies to expand their markets.

Visit Food Export’s event page for a full list of the International Marketing Program’s events and visit our website to learn more about how the International Marketing Program helps businesses in Michigan.