Multi-state conservation project awarded nearly $8 million for Western Lake Erie Basin
For immediate release: May 4, 2021
LANSING, MI - Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) announced that a multi-state conservation program led by Indiana and including the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as a key partner received $7,780,799 to protect natural resources, enhance soil health, improve water quality, and support landowners in the Western Lake Erin Basin (WLEB) region. This is a tremendous opportunity to expand and accelerate the work our states have been doing to preserve and protect our fresh water, which has been a top priority of Governor Whitmer s administration since day one, said
Irrigation plays an important role in Michigan agriculture, contributing the rich diversity of crops grown and ensuring that short-term water deficits do not reduce yields and quality of crops produced.
Mexico Supreme Court decision expands U.S. potato market
Wisconsin State Farmer
United States potato growers are celebrating a major victory following a decision by Mexico’s supreme court allowing for an expansion of U.S. fresh potato imports.
The 5-0 ruling overturned a lower court’s decision from 2017. Right now, Mexico only allows U.S. fresh potatoes into its first 16.165 miles. The expansion could result in up to $200 million in estimated sales per year, in five years.
1.7 billion pounds of potatoes are harvested in Michigan each year, according to Michigan Potatoes, a statewide promotion organization. Michigan produces fresh potatoes which are purchased by consumers for home cooking, and chipping potatoes for snack brands like Better Made Snack Foods and Lays.
Are Calhoun County Farmers Facing A Federal Land Grab?
Early this year, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order. It was described as a way to handle the climate crisis at home and abroad. As more people get a chance to read over the long and detailed document, they are focusing on a provision calling for placing 30% of US lands and waters into conservation protection. Private landowners, especially farmers and agricultural businesses, are becoming worried about what it might mean to them. The timeline is short. It’s all supposed to take place within the next nine years, by 2030. Hence the “30x30” moniker some are now using to reference the EO.
Are Calhoun County Farmers Facing A Federal Land Grab? wkmi.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wkmi.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.