Grand Rapids Business Journal
Several West Michigan members land spots on advisory board.
(As seen on WZZM TV 13) Some West Michigan agricultural leaders were recently appointed to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Migrant Labor Housing Advisory Board.
The 14-member board now includes Evangelina Alvarez, Kalamazoo; William Groenink, Holland; Joann Hoganson, Walker; and Dorian Slaybod, Grand Rapids.
The board is tasked with advising the department and the state on ways to alleviate obstacles in the development of adequate migrant labor housing throughout Michigan and improve conditions for the workers, according to MDARD.
“Even during stable and predictable years, the number and complexity of challenges surrounding migrant labor housing can be quite overwhelming,” said Gary McDowell, MDARD director. “Natural disasters, urban sprawl, social and political shifts, climate change, out-of-state competition, and now even pandemics take the
Manistee resident among appointments to Migrant Labor Housing Advisory Board
Compiled by Michelle Graves, mgraves@pioneergroup.com
Feb. 10, 2021
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LANSING The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell appointed 14 members to the Migrant Labor Housing Advisory Board this month.
The appointees represent five agriculture seats, five migrant labor seats and four seats from other migrant agricultural worker related organizations.
The board will advise the department and the state on ways to alleviate obstacles in the development of adequate migrant labor housing throughout Michigan and improve conditions for the workers who are essential to Michigan’s agricultural sector. This may include recommendations on legislation or other measures.