October 12, 2006

BATTLE CREEK - The Michigan Food Policy Council (MFPC) today released its food and agriculture policy recommendations for Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's consideration. The recommendations encourage a safe, healthy and available food supply, while enhancing the state's agricultural diversity and economic growth. Granholm created the 21-member council to bring diverse food-related stakeholders together to develop integrated policy recommendations through the monetary support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

"As Michigan's agri-food industry plays an increasingly important role in the diversification of the state's economy, the food policy council recommendations position us to optimize economic opportunities while generating the greatest quality-of-life benefits for the state's residents," said Mitch Irwin, Michigan Department of Agriculture Director and MFPC Chairperson. "The council has made significant progress on several recommendations that promise economic, public health and agricultural benefits."

As emphasized in the council's report, and in line with Granholm's "Buy Michigan First" initiative, the council and departments of Agriculture, Corrections and Management and Budget have developed a bid request to bring potatoes into Michigan correctional facilities. The contract could save taxpayer dollars, while presenting a new market opportunity for Michigan farmers through the state's fair and competitive bidding process. Michigan potato growers have a competitive advantage in bidding on this contract because of their location, crop volume, and experience doing business with large buyers. Governor Granholm has also mandated that Michigan firms receive a preference in state solicitations when all other factors are equal.

Additionally, the Department of Corrections has enhanced its bid process to more easily determine which vendors have Michigan products available. As a result, the department has increased their purchases of Michigan-produced and -processed foods by approximately
$2 million.

The report's 20 recommendations cover all aspects of the state's food system from field to fork, including growing the agri-food economy, accessing fresh and healthy foods, promoting Michigan foods and cultivating agricultural viability through development of:

• Grocery stores and farmers' markets in underserved locations.
• Farmland preservation and new farmer programs.
• Agri-food entrepreneurship and new market development.
• Buy Michigan First and Select Michigan initiatives.
• Emergency food and food assistance programs.

In addition to the state's bid request for potatoes and the "Buy Michigan First" program, efforts are underway to research farmers' markets and improving their ability to attract diverse consumers, to link producers and consumers through a Michigan local foods website, and to build a skilled workforce for the agri-food industry through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth's Regional Skills Alliance program.

More information on the Michigan Food Policy Council and its recommendations is available at www.michigan.gov/mfpc.