June 7, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the creation of the Michigan Food Policy Council.  The council will offer recommendations on ways to increase economic development opportunities in Michigan’s food sector while improving agricultural production, community well-being, and public health across the state.
 
“The council will help us cultivate a safe and healthy food supply for all residents while building on Michigan’s agricultural diversity and enhancing economic growth,” Granholm said.  “This council brings together business, agriculture and education to focus not just on improving one industry, but strengthening the economy of the entire state.”
 
The council was established by Executive Order 2005-13, which Granholm signed today.  The council’s goals include expanding businesses and jobs across food-related sectors in the state, increasing access to fresh and healthy Michigan-grown foods, including for school children, low-income families, at-risk seniors, and inner-city residents, promoting the purchase and consumption of Michigan-grown and Michigan-processed foods, and identifying strategies to enhance connections between Michigan growers and Michigan food outlets.
 
The council will consist of 21 members, including 15 gubernatorial appointees.  The Directors of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Community Health, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Labor and Economic Growth, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction will serve as ex officio members of the council.

A final report must be presented to the Governor by October 1, 2006.

Appointments to the council include:

Wayne Wood of Sanilac, president of the Michigan Farm Bureau, appointed to represent Michigan agriculture organizations.

Jim Byrum of Onondaga, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, appointed to represent Michigan agriculture organizations.

Cheryl Kobernik of Frankfort, co-owner of North Star Organics, appointed to represent the sustainable agriculture community.

Michael Hamm of Mason, C.S. Mott Chair of Sustainable Agriculture, appointed to represent institutions of higher education.

Leland Wheaton of Charlotte, principle at Charlotte High School, appointed to represent K-12 schools.

Mattie Jordan-Woods of Kalamazoo, executive director of Northside Association for Community Development, appointed to represent community-based urban development activities.

Dennis West of Marquette, president of Northern Initiatives, appointed to represent rural development activities.

Jane Marshall of Lansing, CEO of the Food Bank Council of Michigan, appointed to represent anti-hunger organizations.

Giancarlo Guzman of Detroit, Southwest community facilitator at Racial & Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) and board member of the Detroit Agriculture Network, appointed to represent public health organizations.

Justin Rashid of Petoskey, owner of American Spoon, appointed to represent food processors.

Jim Herbert of Lansing, CEO of Neogen Corporation, appointed to represent non-food manufacturers.

Todd Wickstrom of Ann Arbor, owner of Heritage Foods, USA, and founder of the Agrarian Adventure, appointed to represent restaurants.

The work of the Michigan Food Policy Council will be funded primarily by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.