September 5, 2008

LANSING - Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto announces that James Johnson of Holt has been appointed to head the department’s Environmental Stewardship Division.

“Jim has been a valued member of the MDA team for more than two decades, and I am very pleased to have him spearheading the department’s efforts in addressing agricultural environment in the new bio-economy,” Koivisto said. “Jim’s proven record of expertise, accomplishments, and consensus building makes him an excellent choice.”

The Environmental Stewardship Division is charged with administering programs that promote environmental stewardship and prevent agriculture-related pollution. In addition, the division addresses alternative energy, inter-county drain structure, farmland preservation, water resource issues, and the quality of migrant labor housing.

Johnson, a graduate of Michigan Technological University, has been with MDA since 1987, working in a variety of capacities including area program coordinator working with local conservation districts, manager of the State’s gypsy moth program, and most recently as pollution prevention section manager. Jim has chaired numerous intra and inter-departmental committees addressing issues from agriculture regulations to farm markets.

Jim has two children, Christopher and Erica.