Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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July 02, 2021
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Agriculture was created by Act 13, Public Acts 1921, to promote the agricultural interests of the State of Michigan, effectively transferring powers from existing boards, departments, and commissions on July 1, 1921; and,
WHEREAS, in 1921, the department's core responsibilities were managed by staff in four bureaus and two divisions - the Administrative Division, the Division of Chemical Laboratories, the Bureau of Agricultural Industry, the Bureau of Foods and Standards (including Weights and Measures, Orchard and Nursery, Fruit and Vegetable Standards, and Market News), the Bureau of Animal Industry, and the Bureau of Dairying; and,
WHEREAS, in 2011, the department's mission was expanded to include Rural Development to improve the lives and livelihoods of Michigan's rural population, including its farming communities who serve as the backbone of our state; and,
WHEREAS, throughout its 100-year history, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has seen many changes in technology, leadership, regulations, and the scope of its programs; and,
WHEREAS, as it did at its formation, the department continues to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector, safeguard the public's food supply, inspect and enforce sound animal health practices, control and eradicate plant pests and diseases threatening Michigan's food and agriculture system, preserve the environment by which the farming community makes their living and feeds consumers, and protect consumers by enforcing laws relating to weights and measures; and,
WHEREAS, the department's employees are dedicated to upholding the rules and regulations promulgated by the department to protect the health, welfare, and economic investments of the state's food and agriculture sector and the residents of our great state; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan's food and agriculture industry has a $104.7 billion overall impact on the state's economy annually and employs 17.2 percent of the state's workforce - approximately 805,000 people;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 as the 100th Anniversary Celebration Year of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Michigan.