For immediate release: October 15, 2024
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, APR, 517-284-5724

MDARD Director Tim Boring Thanks USDA for Disaster Declaration Helping Michigan’s Sweet Cherry Farmers in Eleven Counties

Declaration provides needed emergency resources for farmers hit by climate events, diseases

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan is known as the “Cherry Capitol of the World,” but severe weather events continue to threaten the viability of the industry. This year, the state’s sweet cherry farmers lost upwards to 75 percent of their crops after a mild winter and warm, wet early season conditions led to significant insect and disease damage.

In August, Governor Gretchen Whitmer requested a Declaration of Disaster from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make available much needed emergency resources for northern Michigan’s cherry producers. Yesterday, USDA issued disaster declarations for Antrim, Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties. In addition to the three primary counties USDA designated eight contiguous counties under the disaster declarations which are Benzie, Crawford, Manistee, Otsego, Charlevoix, Kalkaska, Missaukee, and Wexford.

“I was proud to stand with Governor Whitmer as we urged the USDA to recognize the impact of these disasters on Michigan’s sweet cherry harvest, and glad to see our farmers receive access to critical federal assistance,” said Boring. “Receiving a USDA disaster declaration is key to ensuring producers can access the resources they need. I appreciate USDA Secretary Vilsack for his commitment to Michigan’s sweet cherry farming families.”

“From farmers to producers to retailers, so many in our community rely on the success of crops like cherries,” said State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City). “I am glad to see the USDA make this decision to bring some relief for the devastating sweet cherry crop loss and I will continue to seek ways to do more to support our farmers weathering this latest challenge to their livelihoods.”

The counties designated by USDA as natural disaster or contiguous disaster areas means qualified farm operators are eligible for low interest emergency loans from USDA’s Farm Services Agency (USDA-FSA) provided eligibility requirements are met.

Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. USDA-FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. USDA-FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the emergency loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity.

For Michigan to receive federal disaster status, the original crop loss estimates must be verified from harvest yield data.  If losses of 30 percent or more are confirmed, and the disaster request is granted, eligible state producers will have access to USDA-FSA’s low-interest emergency loan program for up to 100 percent of their weather-related agriculture production losses. USDA-FSA is the agency responsible for compiling the official crop loss statistics and administering the federal emergency farm loan programs.

For more information on the federal emergency farm loan programs, please visit the USDA-FSA website.

MDARD Announces Grant Opportunity for Rural Areas

Proposals due by 5 p.m. (EST) on December 5, 2024

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring today announced the department is offering a competitive grant program to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure benefiting rural communities in Michigan.

“Our rural communities are a fundamental part of Michigan’s food and agriculture industry. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to providing the support and resources to help increase resiliency and success in those communities,” said Boring. “The Rural Development Grant prioritizes sustainability for land-based industries and provides the crucial infrastructure needed for our rural areas to grow and thrive for years to come.”

The Rural Development Fund grants are available for projects addressing expansion and sustainability of land-based industries; worker training related to land-based industries; and energy, transportation, housing, communications, water, and wastewater infrastructure to benefit rural communities and micropolitan statistical areas.

Land-based industries include food and agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and gas production, and tourism. Eligible counties include those with a population no greater than 70,000 residents or micropolitan statistical areas. For a complete list of eligible counties, visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.

The total amount of funding available during this grant cycle is $2 million. The maximum limit that can be requested for a project grant $100,000 with all proposals requiring a minimum 30 percent cash match of the grant amount being requested. Applicants for grant funds must describe how the project will impact and produce measurable outcomes for rural communities around land-based industries. The proposals will be evaluated through a competitive process.

Those interested in applying for the grant program should visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants to view the program details. All applications must be submitted through the MiAgGrants system. All applicants are required to submit three letters of support.

MDARD will host an informational webinar on this grant opportunity on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. (EST). More information on the webinar is located on the website.

Any additional communications concerning this Request for Proposal should be sent to [email protected]. Proposals must be received online through the MiAgGrants system no later than 5 p.m. (EST) on December 5, 2024.  Proposals received after 5 p.m. (EST) will not be considered.

The Rural Development Fund grants are funded by the Nonferrous Metallic Minerals Extraction Severance Tax. The Rural Development Fund was created under PA 411 of 2012. Revenue from the severance tax is in accordance with PA 410 of 2012.

For more information on the MDARD Grants Program and how we can help you, visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants or email us at [email protected].

Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Their Animals Safe this Labor Day Holiday

Keep animals happy and healthy as they enjoy the last days of summer fun

LANSING, MI—As Michiganders prepare to celebrate the last days of summer, this Labor Day holiday, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) would like to remind owners of some of the best ways to keep their animals healthy and safe.

“When making any holiday plans, it is important not to overlook the needs of our animals,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From ensuring they are fully vaccinated to making sure they are cool and comfortable, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this Labor Day.”

Protect animals this holiday by following these seven easy tips:

• Vax & Relax: Keep animals up to date on routine vaccinations

Vaccinations are central to animals’ preventative care as the vaccines can protect them against common diseases, such as rabies and distemper. Contact your veterinarian to ensure your animals’ vaccinations are complete and/or to schedule an appointment.

• Let it Flow: Provide unlimited cool, clean, fresh water

Just like people, animals can quickly get parched in hot temperatures. No matter the species, animals should have access to unlimited cool, clean, fresh water to prevent dehydration.

• Happy Tummies: Avoid feeding animals people foods

While it may be tempting to toss your animals a few crispy nuggets from the grill, they cannot enjoy all the same foods and treats as we do. Salty, fatty, and/or highly seasoned foods (like chips, nuts, and meat fat) can cause digestive upset. Also, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to animals; and bones can cause injury and illness as well.

• Know Their Limits: An animal’s ability to tolerate heat varies

An animal’s age, breed, type of coat, and health history can all play a role in their ability to tolerate the heat. Keep an eye on them for signs of heat stress—like increased panting or drooling and being more lethargic. If they are showing these signs, it is time to immediately move them to a cooler area.

Also, consider talking to your veterinarian. They will have a greater knowledge of your animal(s) and be able to give more specific guidance on how to best handle them in hot weather.

• Look Before They Splash: Avoid harmful algal blooms (HABs) in bodies of water

HABs form due to a rapid growth of cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, which are naturally found in lakes, rivers, and ponds. To prevent illness in animals, keep them out of areas with scums or discolored water, rinse them off after contact with any lake water, and bring clean, fresh water for them to drink. If an animal becomes sick after contact with a suspected HAB, call your veterinarian right away.

Also, animal illness due to HABs is reportable to MDARD. To report cases, submit a Reportable Disease Form or call 800-292-3939.

• Search No More: Make sure animals have proper identification

With all the summer fun and outdoor activities, it can be easy for animals to sneak away and become lost. Make sure they have identification tags and/or microchips that are up to date with your current contact information, ensuring a better chance they can be returned home.

• Bug Off!: Take steps to prevent mosquito bites

Mosquitoes transmit a number of diseases that can make animals sick, such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis. Both of these diseases were detected in horses from Michigan this year.

As these viruses continue to circulate, it is important to protect animals from mosquitoes by keeping animals indoors from dusk to dawn, using insect repellants on animals approved for the species, eliminating standing water, and for horses, talking to your veterinarian about vaccinating them against these diseases.

These tips can help keep your animals safe and healthy throughout the holiday. If there are any concerns about your animals’ health now or throughout the year, please talk to your veterinarian.