July 25, 2007

LANSING - The Michigan Commission of Agriculture announced today they are seeking applicants for the position of director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA). The MDA Director provides management and administrative direction in accordance with the statutory and other responsibilities established by the Commission, the Governor, and the Legislature.

MDA, a department of approximately 600 employees, is charged with protecting, promoting, and preserving the food, agricultural, environmental, and economic interests of the people of Michigan. The department protects consumers in a variety of ways, including: ensuring a safe, secure and wholesome food supply; making sure consumers are getting the fuel they pay for; providing regulatory oversight of many facets of food production as well as promoting Michigan agricultural products and preserving the state’s agricultural heritage.

“Agriculture is Michigan’s second-largest industry, employs approximately 1 million residents, and is a rapidly growing sector of our economy,” said James Byrum, Commission Chair. “The new director will face several issues, including the expansion of the renewable fuels industry, food safety, and many more.”

Additional information on the position and details about the application process are available on the MDA Web site at www.michigan.gov/mda. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on August 8, 2007.

The Michigan Commission of Agriculture is a bipartisan body appointed by the Governor to provide oversight and policy direction for MDA programs; appoint the director of agriculture; and, approve the rules and regulations the department promulgates.