|
|
Our Economic Development Team has been busy in preparation for upcoming events! Donna LaCourt, Economic & Community Development Specialist, is currently preparing for a May trip to Finland.
In March of 2020, a Finnish Delegation led by Mika Lintilä, Minister of Economic Affairs of Finland visited Michigan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Governor Gretchen Whitmer to promote increased cooperation in the research, development, and commercial sectors on clean technologies. This cooperation includes, but is not limited to, initiatives related to the automotive industry; battery technology solutions and energy storage; smart mobility solutions, including the maritime industry and autonomous shipping; and the sustainable forest bioeconomy. After the MOU was signed the Finland/Michigan Forest Bioeconomy Working Group was formed. In September 2021, the collaboration was also expanded to include the State of Maine to focus on five areas: advanced wood construction, biorefining, new wood-based products, smart forestry, and policy.
As a continuation of this collaboration, this May, 26 Michigan delegates from businesses, universities, non-profits, and state government will participate in an outbound trade and study mission to Finland. The mission is designed to connect businesses, research institutions, and other professional organizations to advance our forest bioeconomy collaboration. The delegation will also include participants from the States of Maine and Washington. The mission will have two tour tracks: 1) Wood building products and cross-laminated timber, and 2) Smart forestry and new wood-based products and conclude with bilateral climate-based solutions through a biobased products workshop.
|
|
Michigan Craft Beverage Council Hosts Distilling Grain Summit
The first ever Michigan Distilling Grain Summit took place on Wednesday, March 1, at New Holland Brewery and Distillery in Grand Rapids. The collaborative event was coordinated by Michigan Craft Beverage Council, Pure Michigan Business Connect, and MSU Extension’s grain research team. The Summit gathered farmers, maltsters, millers, distillers, and some beer, cider, and wine makers. It included a productive panel discussion tackling supply chain challenges, education around grain research, and plenty of time for networking. More than 100 people registered for the event, and participants expressed that the day was valuable in making connections to support the agricultural supply chain for Michigan’s thriving craft distilling industry.
Michigan ranks 7th in the nation for craft distillers (American Craft Spirits Association, 2022), with many of them sourcing Michigan agriculture. The Summit supported efforts to increase connections as a result of PA 135 of 2022, signed into law by Governor Whitmer.
|
|
|
International Marketing Program
The International Marketing Program has available booth space at two of our upcoming shows!
- Summer Fancy Food Show: June 25th-27th; New York City
- ANUGA: October 7th-11th, 2023; Cologne, Germany
Contact Holly Henrickson if you are interested in booth space at either of these shows at henricksonh@michigan.gov.
There is still time to sign up for the Food Export Focused Trade Mission to Toronto, Canada for Specialty and Natural Products! This event will take place September 6th and 7th. Early registration closes on May 10th.
Contact Elissa Mutschler if you are interested in attending the Focused Trade Mission at mutschlere@michigan.gov.
|
|
Market Spotlight: Mexico
 Mexico is Michigan’s second-largest export destination for food, agriculture, and forest products. According to the U.S Census Bureau, $393 million worth of Michigan Ag products were exported to Mexico in 2022.
Mexico is not just a large market for Michigan - it is for the United States as well. In 2021, the US exported $26 billion worth of food and Ag products to Mexico. Mexico is a great market for us, as they’re our neighbors to the south. Mexico has a growing food retail sector of its economy that offers many opportunities for American exporters.
Food Export is hosting Focused Trade Mission for Private Label, Retail, and Food Service companies in Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico, July 11-15, 2023. Register by APRIL 17 to market your products at this amazing event!
How can our team help your business grow? Contact us at MDARD-AgD@Michigan.gov.
Happy Exporting!
|
|
|
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) awarded 22 Rural Development Fund Grants designed to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities.
“At MDARD, we are proud to continue to make investments into our rural communities that create more economic opportunities, and good-paying jobs, while expanding our food and agriculture industry,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “These 22 new projects show why Michigan is a competitive powerhouse in the food and agricultural industry.”
Read the entire press release, including all recipients here.
|
|
|
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she will appoint Dr. Timothy Boring as Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
“Dr. Boring will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to MDARD,” said Governor Whitmer. “A sixth-generation family farmer from Stockbridge, Dr. Boring has held several high-level positions on leading agricultural associations, commissions, and committees. At MDARD, I am confident that he will lead admirably, working to support farmers, grow Michigan’s mighty agricultural industry, protect our natural resources, and power rural economic development.”
“Tim has been a wonderful partner and friend over the years,” said U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. “As Chairwoman of the US Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, I worked closely with him when he was with the Michigan Agri-Business Association and strongly supported his appointment to the USDA Farm Service Agency. I know he will be a fantastic leader at MDARD and look forward to working with him to continue advancing Michigan agriculture and growing Michigan’s economy.”
Read the rest of the Governor's press release.
|
|
|
Food Export has updated its free, online program, Export Essentials Online. Export Essentials Online is a flexible, comprehensive approach to learning the fundamentals and logistics of exporting. This is a great program for a beginner or if you are looking for a refresher.
Learn more about Export Essentials Online.
|
|
|
National Restaurant Association Show
May 20-23, 2023 | Chicago, IL *SOLD OUT*
Sweets & Snacks Expo
May 22-25, 2023 | Chicago, IL *SOLD OUT*
Summer Fancy Food Show
June 25-27, 2023 | New York City, New York
*Contact MDARD-AgD@michigan.gov for details*
Trade Mission to Canada for Specialty and Natural Products
September 6-7, 2023 | Toronto, ON, Canada
*Contact MDARD-AgD@michigan.gov for details*
ANUGA Food Show
October 7-11, 2023 | Cologne, Germany
*Contact MDARD-AgD@michigan.gov for details*
Global Produce & Floral Show
October 19-21, 2023 | Anaheim, California *SOLD OUT*
|
|
|
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Agriculture Development Division
MDARD-AgD@Michigan.gov
|
|
|
|
|
