FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA)-USDA

Michigan State FSA Office, USDA
Dave Conklin-State Executive Director
3001 Coolidge Rd., Suite 350

East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: (517) 324-5110
http://www.fsa.usda.gov

Mission:

The Farm Service Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture ensures the well-being of American agriculture, the environment and the American public through efficient and equitable administration of farm commodity programs; farm ownership, operating and emergency loans; conservation and environmental programs; emergency and disaster assistance; domestic and international food assistance and international export credit programs.

FSA enhances the environment by the development and implementation of programs to ensure adequate protection of our natural, cultural, and historic resources. We assist agricultural producers and landowners in achieving a high level of stewardship of soil, water, air, and wildlife resources on America's farmland and ranches.

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION
SERVICE (NRCS)-USDA

NRCS State Office of Agriculture Development
Cathy Brothers, Information Resource
3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 350
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: (517) 324-52705246
E-mail: cathy.brothers@mi.usda.gov

Mission:

To provide leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, improve, and sustain our natural resources and environment.

LIMITED RESOURCE/
MINORITY FARMERS COALITION

Larry Swain, Program Manager
Michigan Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 241-2976
E-mail: swainl@michigan.gov

Mission:

To identify and assist limited resource or minority agricultural producers in creating and maintaining a successful farming operation.

Objectives:

• To identify limited resource or minority agricultural producers and maintain the loca- tion of their farm sites in Michigan
• To determine the needs and/or major issues of these farmers
• To develop an advisory council
• To provide mini workshops within the farming communities that will address specific concerns
• To develop and conduct a statewide conference addressing major issues
• To develop a network between these farmers in order to present a stronger voice
• To assist these farmers in achieving independence from support programs

MICHIGAN INDIAN EMPLOYMENT &
TRAINING SERVICES, INC.

2450 Delhi Commerce Drive, Suite 5
Holt, MI 48842
Phone:(517) 694-7800; (517) 694-8808

Services Available:

Career Guidance, Job Referral, Classroom Training, Work Experience Program, and On-The-Job Training Program

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE - EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT

Bob Tarrant, Emergency Management Coordinator
Michigan Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 30017
Phone: (517) 241-0119
Emergencies: (517) 373-0440
Fax: (517) 335-7071

Purpose:

In the event of a disaster, MDA's Emergency Management Section mobilizes department staff to protect Michigan's food and agricultural resources.

Activities:

Response activities include assessing damage, inspecting food, containing pesticide releases, ensuring proper care of animals, and ensuring the integrity of the state's food and animal feed supplies. Emergency Management works closely with the USDA to request appropriate federal disaster assistance for farmers and with the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) to provide federal disaster assistance to county drain officials.

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

Robert Craig, Director
Constitution Hall, Sixth Floor
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 241-2178
Fax: (517) 335-0628

Purpose:

The Agriculture Development Division (AgD) was created by Director Dan Wyant in 1997, to bring focus and profile to assorted agricultural economic development assistance programs previously scattered across MDA.

Strengthening the family farm and enhancing opportunities for the food and agriculture industry; especially in rural Michigan, is AgD's primary function.

Goals:

AgD seeks to match Michigan's advantages with opportunities that improve the economic and environmental sustainability and viability of agriculture.

AgD seeks to:

• Strengthen food and agriculture support business and production agriculture opportunities
• Encourage the use of alternative technologies and practices
• Promote local community-based development

Programs:

Organic Industry Assistance

Michigan's budding organic foods industry is also assisted by AgD. In 1998, Director Wyant appointed a 17-member Organic Foods Advisory Committee to help develop a statewide strategic plan for the future of organic food production and marketing.

Value-Added Assistance

AgD encourages farmers to add more value to agricultural crops within the state. That may include turning soybeans into soybean oil and meal, or baking fruits into pasties. AgD staff works in cooperation with the MEDC to attract, expand and retain food processing companies and develop new products and markets for agriculture commodities in Michigan.

Agricultural Alliances

AgD is a member of several agricultural alliances between producers, industry organizations and other agencies. As part of the Michigan Beef Alliance, AgD facilitated meetings that led to continued operations at a Plainwell beef processing plant and saved 1,000 jobs.

International Marketing

Promoting exports is key to increasing consumption of Michigan-grown and manufactured food products. International Marketing works with the Michigan Economic Development marketing program to encourage exporting by coordinating educational programs, trade missions and shows, federal grants and other activities for Michigan companies.