December 11, 2007

Approaching his 100th day on the job, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto announced an initiative to maximize economic development in the growing agriculture industry.

The Agriculture Team or “A-Team” initiative will provide small or large farmers and agriculture business operators with customized government assistance for marketing their products domestically and internationally. The department will focus attention on agri-tourism, renewable energy, value-added processing, our diverse and abundant commodities, as well as innovative agriculture businesses that do not fit any particular category.

“We are not re-inventing the wheel with this concept,” Koivisto explained. “We are, however, providing a niche service to the agriculture community that has previously been too complicated and involved significant red tape.”

The “A-Team” approach will simplify the process for government entities receiving agriculture business inquiries by expediting information quickly to potential entrepreneurs. This hands-on assistance will foster economic growth by helping small innovative businesses start up, while ensuring existing businesses are sustained. Each “A-Team” will be comprised of department experts assigned according to the nature of the request for assistance.

“Agriculture is a unique, solution-oriented industry and it’s incumbent upon our department to provide assistance by utilizing our wide-range of experts,” Koivisto added. “The future of agriculture will be even more optimistic if we promote existing businesses, while ensuring the wise use of our natural resources. This can be a win-win for Michigan’s economy.”

Michigan's food and agriculture industry contributes more than $60.1 billion annually to the state's economy and employs about one million residents. Michigan produces over 200 commodities on a commercial basis, making the state second only to California in agricultural diversity. Agriculture is Michigan’s second leading industry and is gaining strength.

Farmers and agriculture businesses operators interested in more information on the “A-Team” initiative should contact MDA at 517-373-1052 or submit a request on the MDA website at www.michigan.gov/mda.