Governor Granholm Declares EAB Awareness Week Michigan working to stop spread of Emerald Ash Borer in U.S.
Agriculturally Speaking….Being Smart In Growing Biofuels
2008 Michigan Farm Market Directory Now Available
Agriculturally Speaking... International Marketing Program
New ag weather station installed: Romeo (Macomb County)
Michigan apple producers vote to continue marketing program
MI Dept. of Agriculture Outlines Changes to Pesticide Regulation 637 New regulations have immediate effect
Agriculturally Speaking - Celebrating Michigan Wines
New grant and loan opportunities for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements in greenhouses
Recycle your old plastic garden pots and containers
Mark your calendars: MSU Weed Tour and Crop Diagnostic Day dates are set
Michigan Department of Agriculture to Survey for Exotic Pests Throughout 2008
Many Michigan growers plan to increase apple acreage
Michigan Asparagus Growers Vote to Support Marketing Program
Thinking About Going Green – Look No Further than Corn Heat
Corn Referendum Passes
ENVIRONMENTAL & AGRICULTURAL POLICY UPDATE
Updated: 05/19/08
Governor Granholm Declares EAB Awareness Week Michigan working to stop spread of Emerald Ash Borer in U.S.
LANSING, MI - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has declared the week of May 18th, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Awareness Week in Michigan, which is part of an effort to limit the spread of EAB to Michigan's Upper Peninsula and across the nation.
"Across the Lower Peninsula, Michigan residents have witnessed the loss of millions of ash trees, which in some cases has dramatically changed the landscape of what were once beautiful tree-lined streets," said Granholm. "We continue to fight the battle to save what is left of this precious natural resource and call on residents to join us in that fight."
State officials are asking residents to honor quarantines that are in place, which make the transport of hardwood firewood off-limits to the Upper Peninsula or out of quarantined areas. Also banned is the movement of regulated articles such as ash trees, ash logs and lumber with bark, and wood chips greater than one inch.
State agriculture officials note that for residents in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, EAB has been a household name for the last six years; however, it's relatively new to residents and travelers in the Upper Peninsula. Michigan is participating in a national prevention effort to halt the spread of EAB across the United States.
"Michigan continues to be on the front-line in efforts to identify biological control organisms and treatment options as well as national research efforts to learn more about how we can live with EAB," said Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto. "Although there are isolated areas of infestation, the U.P. continues to be a primary focus in preventing the pest from spreading to Michigan's western U.P. and neighboring states. EAB Awareness Week further highlights our efforts to ensure the UP's forest resources don't suffer the same devastating effects experienced in much of the Lower Peninsula."
Michigan residents and visitors are urged to learn about EAB and adhere to the state's quarantine banning the transport of ash trees, ash materials, and all hardwood firewood from quarantined areas. Quarantine violators face fines/penalties ranging from $1,000 up to $250,000 and face up to five years in jail if found guilty of transporting hardwood firewood out of the quarantine zones or Lower Peninsula into the Upper Peninsula or surrounding states.
Along with Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin are using the national EAB Awareness Week to underscore the need for continued cooperation and support of citizens, tourists, communities, government, and industry partners for containing this pest and protecting the millions of ash trees blanketing North America.
In 2008, MDA, the United States Department of Agriculture, and other EAB partners will be participating in a federal trapping strategy to help establish a national footprint of where the pest is located in the U.S. Michigan motorists traveling in the U.P. will begin to see three-dimensional purple traps hanging from ash trees beginning in early June.
"Preventing the artificial spread of EAB in the Upper Peninsula continues to be critical to safeguarding ash as a genus in Michigan's forest landscape," said Ken Rauscher, MDA's Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division Director. "Slowing the spread of ash mortality affords researchers the opportunity to identify additional tools necessary to combat this devastating pest."
Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic insect native to Asia that attacks ash trees in its larval stage; EAB feeds undetected under the bark of ash trees, disrupting water and nutrient flow, and ultimately killing the trees in just a few years. First discovered in 2002, the borer is responsible for the death or damage of approximately 20 million ash trees in Michigan.
For more information on the Michigan EAB quarantine, please visit www.michigan.gov/eab or www.emeraldashborer.info
Agriculturally Speaking….Being Smart In Growing Biofuels
By Don Koivisto, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture
As a leader in the development of renewable fuels, Michigan is dedicated to growing biofuels in a smart, calculated way. This is critical to helping biofuels live up to their reputation to expand the state’s agri-business sector, break our reliance on foreign oil, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions to slow climate change while simultaneously strengthening the auto industry.
The food and agriculture industry is Michigan’s second largest industry generating nearly $64 billion for the economy each year. Our dynamic agribusiness sector makes us a leader in the development of the next generation of renewable fuels.
Currently, Michigan has five corn-based ethanol plants, producing 267 million gallons of ethanol fuel. Motorists consume almost 5 billion gallons of gasoline in Michigan and over 95 percent of the crude is imported into Michigan, most of it coming from foreign countries. But, in order to make Michigan more energy selfsufficient, we must shift our focus to deriving ethanol and other sustainable biofuels from new feedstocks as well as increasing the productivity of our current agricultural feedstock base.
A pivotal element to Michigan’s approach is to assess where we’ve been and where we are in terms of production and supply in order to better determine where we are going. By creating a baseline of supply and demand it will help us evaluate the long-term sustainability of present and post-corn ethanol while utilizing our vast natural resources to advance other biofuel technologies, continued research, developments, demonstration and production in our state.
Corn-based ethanol has provided a quantum leap forward in the biofuels boom and it’s a young industry, but it wasn’t meant to be the only game in town. Michigan has its eye on the future, which includes building upon our base by using other means of producing renewable fuels such as cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel made from switchgrass, trash, green algae or woody biomass, thus avoiding a conflict between food and fuel.
There are several elements contributing to increased food costs with ethanol production only having a marginal impact. These factors include, but aren’t limited to, worldwide weather conditions, skyrocketing fuel costs, increased population, natural disasters (e.g. floods, exotic pests, droughts, frost/freeze, etc.) and increased labor costs from farm to fork.
Two key factors impacting food costs are the growing middle class in Asia and Latin America, who are purchasing more meat and milk driving up demand for feed; and the declining value of the U.S. dollar. The fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar create a two-fold issue: it creates a bigger worldwide demand for U.S. exports while simultaneously making food imports more expensive as approximately 30 percent of the U.S. fruits and vegetables are imported from foreign markets.
The average American farmer receives a small fraction of what you pay for food.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, this is how a dollar spent at the typical American grocery store breaks down;
- Labor cost (process/marketing) – 39 cents
- Farmer’s share – 19 cents
- Business costs – 11 cents
- Fuel/transportation – 10 cents
- Packaging – 9 cents
- Taxes – 4 cents
- Advertising – 4 cents
- Corporate profit – 4 cents
Leveraging our regional feedstock strengths, productive forest resources, and industrial, agricultural, and residential waste affords Michigan a multi-prong approach to developing new product lines which reduce the environmental impact, lower greenhouse gases and maximize the biofuel benefits to consumers and businesses alike.
For more information on Michigan’s roadmap to renewable fuels advancement, please visit the Renewable Fuels Commission Web site at www.michigan.gov/rfc. A copy of USDA’s Report from the Economic Research Service regarding Global Agricultural Supply and Demand: Factors Contributing to the Recent Increase in Food Commodity Prices is available online at www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/WRS0801/WRS0801.pdf.
2008 Michigan Farm Market Directory Now Available
LANSING - Just in time for spring bedding plants, hanging flowering baskets, nursery stock, and fresh Michigan asparagus, the 2008 Michigan Farm Market and Agricultural Tourism directory is now available.
"This statewide listing of farm markets, U-pick operations, corn mazes, cider mills and much more, has been produced in Michigan since 1980," said Don Koivisto, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA). "It remains the perfect pocket guide for those looking for farm fresh Michigan produce, specialty food products like jams, jellies, baked goods, maple syrup and honey, or for family friendly activities down on the farm."
The 2008 directory was created by a partnership among the Michigan Farm Marketing & Agri-Tourism Association (MI-FMAT), Farm Bureau Insurance, Michigan Farm Bureau, and the MDA. Copies of the directory are available at all 13 Michigan Welcome Centers and at Farm Bureau Insurance agencies across the state.
The 2008 directory has more farm market listings than last year's, features an alphabetical index, and a new regional tab design to help customers find the markets and products they are searching for. It also features 16 full-color pages and an availability chart showing when the various types of fresh fruits and vegetables produced in Michigan are in season.
"The Michigan Farm Marketing and Agri-Tourism Association is proud to provide this directory for our customers," said Steve Tennes, MI-FMAT board president and operator of The Country Mill in Charlotte. "Michigan farm marketers are gearing up for a terrific season, and look forward to welcoming visitors to their farms to share our high quality, locally grown food and agricultural products and unique on-farm experiences."
In addition to the printed directory, farm listings can be accessed via a searchable database on MI-FMAT's Web site at www.MichiganFarmFun.com. Links to the electronic directory are also accessible from MDA's agricultural tourism Web page at www.michigan.gov/agtourism, the Michigan Farm Bureau Web site at www.michiganfarmbureau.com, and the Farm Bureau Insurance Web site at www.farmbureauinsurance-mi.com.
For the Farm Bureau Insurance agent nearest you, visit www.farmbureauinsurance-mi.com. For more information about MI-FMAT and its mission and services, visit www.MichiganFarmFun.com.
Agriculturally Speaking... International Marketing Program
Donald Koivisto, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture
The Michigan Department of Agriculture's (MDA) International Marketing Program does more than just sell Michigan-grown products overseas. The program helps expand Michigan's agriculture economic impact with exports generating $1.1 billion in 2006. According to USDA's Economic Research Service, there were 13,800 agricultural export-related jobs in Michigan in 2006, that's up 1,000 jobs from just a few years ago. These figures are positive proof that agricultural exports help to grow the state's second largest economic sector.
The state exports almost one-third of its 200 agricultural commodities, with the top five agricultural exports being soybeans, feed grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. In 2006, Michigan inched out Kentucky for the 19th spot among the top 20 state agriculture exporters in the nation. Over 60 percent of all Michigan's agricultural exports went to Canada, our number one export market. Rounding out the top five companies eager for Michigan-grown products were Mexico, Japan, Korea, and Germany. Forecasts are already speculating that exports are again going to be more than $1 billion in 2007.
There are numerous reasons Michigan companies should consider exporting, expecially since 95 percent of the world's consumers live outside of the United States. If a company only sells domestically, it is reaching just a small share of potential customers. Through exporting, companies can reduce dependence on existing domestic markets, offset slow sales due to economic changes, consumer demands, and seasonal fluctuations. In addition, exporting often helps enhance a company's competititve advantage through new exposure to technologies, methods, and processes.
MDA's international marketing program's goal is to assist Michigan producers and processors develop trade opportunities by entering new markets or expanding existing markets to increase international sales. MDA staff organize and implement activities such as export seminars, buyers missions, trade missions, and Michigan Pavilions at selected domestic and international trade shows to showcase Michigan-based companies in a global arena.
MDA staff provide consulting services to food and agriculture firms such as market research, trade leads, advice on export pricing, order processing, determining required documentation, international market development policy issues, and identifying and overcoming barriers to market access.
The International Marketing Program helps Michigan companies tap a variety of federal export assistance programs, including the Branded Program through the Food Export Association of the Midwest USA. This program provides 44 percent reimbursement for marketing and promotional expenses incurred by companies and commodity groups to expand international and domestic sales.
An online export directory, including Michigan companies that export and trade leads, can be found at www.mdainternational.com. This Web site also includes a list of upcoming international marketing activities and highlights the Select Michigan Worldwide newsletter.
Companies interested in learning more about the International Marketing Program can contact Jamie Zmitko-Somers, International Marketing Manager, at phone at (517) 241-3628 or by email at zmitkoj@michigan.gov.
New ag weather station installed: Romeo (Macomb County)
Bob Tritten, District Fruit Educator
Over the last two weeks a new agricultural weather station has been added to the state-wide Michigan Automated Weather Network (MAWN) by that generates the data for Enviro-weather. The station is in Romeo and is located at Westview Orchards and Cider Mill. The addition of this weather station in Macomb County will fill another gap in the MAWN network that we rely upon heavily for agricultural weather across the state. This new weather station and the data it generates will be particularly helpful for not only fruit growers in the region, but for the vegetable and landscape industries as well. Many thanks to the Jacobson, Schumacher and Roy families of Westview for their contributions to get this station up and running. Information on this station can be assessed at www.enviroweather.msu.edu.
Michigan apple producers vote to continue marketing program
LANSING - Michigan apple producers have voted to continue the Michigan Apple Advertising and Promotion Program, according to Don Koivisto, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA).
The Michigan Apple Advertising and Promotion Program was designed to improve the economic position of Michigan apple growers by developing advertising, promotion, and publicity programs to create new markets for apples and/or apple products and to carry on market development and research. The program was last approved in 2003, and by law, must be renewed every five years.
The program would continue for an additional five years, beginning September 1, 2008 and ending August 31, 2013.
A total of 172 valid ballots were cast in the referendum. To determine continuation of the Michigan Apple Advertising and Promotion Program for an additional five years, 147 producers voted yes (85 percent), representing 4,215,429 hundredweight of apples (91 percent) and 25 producers voted no (15 percent), representing 399,894 hundredweight of apples (9 percent).
For the program to be renewed or the amendment passed, more than 50 percent of the producer votes cast, representing more than 50 percent of the total number of bushels represented on the cast ballots, must have approved it.
MI Dept. of Agriculture Outlines Changes to Pesticide Regulation 637 New regulations have immediate effect
LANSING - The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced amendments to Regulation 637 - Pesticide Use - impacting the state’s licensed commercial pesticide applicator businesses and certified pesticide applicators. This marks the first amendment to the regulation since it was implemented in 1992.
“For the past year, a partnership consisting of state, industry, and environmental leaders worked together to bring this regulation up-to-date,” said Don Koivisto, MDA director. “MDA will now begin notifying our stakeholders of the revisions as well as ensuring all pesticide applicators are adhering to the changes.”
Many of the amendments to the regulation simply clarify existing requirements; however, there are two significant amendments affecting turf and ornamental lawn markers and integrated pest management/parental notification requirements.
The turf and ornamental lawn marker requirements are intended to return markers to their original symbolism and now restrict their use to pesticide applications only.
“While the regulation provides for immediate implementation, MDA is allowing applicators to use up remaining inventory of signs that comply with the previous requirements until June 30, 2008,” said Koivisto. “On July 1, firms must begin using markers that comply with the revised rules. This will allow marker manufacturers time to produce a sufficient supply and move their product into the market.”
In March of 2005, requirements for schools and day care centers to implement integrated pest management programs and notify parents prior to pesticide applications moved from the regulation into Public Act 451, Part 83. As such many of these requirements have been removed from the revised rules.
MDA will offer compliance assistance meetings to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to gain insight on how the revisions affect their business. Additionally, MDA mailed a notice of the revised rules to all 2008 licensed commercial pesticide applicator businesses and other impacted stakeholder groups.
For a copy of the revised regulation or information on a compliance meeting, visit the MDA Web site at www.michigan.gov/mda.
Agriculturally Speaking - Celebrating Michigan Wines
By: Don Koivisto, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture
It’s an exciting time for Michigan’s wine and grape industries, which contribute nearly $790 million to the state’s economy annually. Governor Jennifer M. Granholm declared April as “Michigan Wine Month” to honor the state’s wide selection of award winning wines and the industry’s significant economic contributions.
If you haven’t visited one of Michigan’s 60 wineries and tasting rooms, spring is the perfect time of year to witness the transformation occurring in this growing industry. Tasting rooms are less busy and staff are delighted to have the opportunity to provide extra attention to visitors.
For example, in 2007, Michigan’s wineries won 800 medals in both national and international wine competitions. Additionally, it’s estimated that nearly 1 million tourists will visit Michigan wineries this year, generating an estimated $8.6 million in wine-related tourism expenditures. It’s this combination of excellence and economics that make Michigan’s grape and wine industry a standout.
Rising demand has meant that many wineries have already run out of wines from the 2006 vintage. In fact, 2007 marked the fifth year in a row of double digit increases in sales for Michigan wines. Sales in 2007 increased 14.1 percent over 2006, while wine sales from all global points of origin grew by just 3.4 percent in 2007. This further demonstrates Michigan wines are rapidly growing in the global marketplace.
Additionally, wine grape acreage increased 12 percent from 2003 to 2006 with new plantings throughout the state, as documented by the USDA Rotational Fruit Survey.
The 2008 edition of Michigan Wine Country magazine - an indispensable guide to Michigan wines and wineries - will be released in April. The 48-page magazine contains maps and touring information, a section on ‘what’s new at the wineries,’ and notes from winemakers on their favorite wines.
As Chair of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, a 10-member panel supporting the growth of the grape and wine industry in Michigan, it is my pleasure to work with the dedicated members representing stakeholders from across the industry who advise the Department on initiatives to best serve the wine industry’s needs.
The Council’s initiatives can be grouped into three areas of focus: research and grower education; promotion and education; and professional development. The Council is currently organizing the 31st Annual Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition, which will be held in August at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing with more than 400 entries anticipated.
A trophy presentation and the gold medal reception - tasty hors d’oeuvres paired with the top award-winning wines - will be held on August 7, 2008. Tickets are available from the Kellogg Hotel in July.
Recently, the Grape and Wine Council redesigned its Web site - www.michiganwines.com - offering wine enthusiasts a user-friendly site featuring winery information, events, stories, photos, as well as serves as a guide for members in their winery and vineyard business planning.
To request a complimentary Michigan Wine Country magazine, visit www.michiganwines.com or contact the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council at 517- 241-1207. The magazine is also available at all Michigan wineries and Travel Michigan Welcome Centers.
Enjoy Michigan Wines!
New grant and loan opportunities for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements in greenhouses
Grants and loans are once again available for greenhouse growers and other agricultural industries to support investments in energy-efficiency improvements and renewable energy. Last week, the USDA Rural Development Office announced that $220.9 million is available to agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Application deadlines are April 15 and June 16.
The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency loan and grant program was established to encourage agricultural businesses located in rural areas to create or install renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, investments in anaerobic digesters, biomass boilers and burners, solar collectors, wind energy, and energy efficiency improvements. Examples of energy efficiency projects include the installation of more energy-efficient motors, pumps, fans, ventilation systems, insulation, and heating and lighting systems.
Loans are available to cover up to 50 percent of a project’s cost, not to exceed $10 million. Grants are available for up to 25 percent of a project’s cost, not to exceed $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements and $500,000 for renewable energy systems.
Two separate grant competitions are available. For the first competitive window, grant-only applications must be submitted no later than April 15. For the second competitive window, grant-only applications must be submitted between April 16 and June 16. Applications for loan guarantees and loan/grant combinations must be submitted by June 16.
Last year, eight Michigan farmers and rural small businesses received over $2.3 million in Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Improvement grants or guaranteed loans under this program. Successful greenhouse business recipients included Neal Mast & Son Greenhouses, Inc. in Grand Rapids for a greenhouse energy curtain and Wenke Greenhouses, Inc. in Kalamazoo for greenhouse energy-efficient boilers.
For more information in Michigan, contact Rick Vanderbeek at (517) 324-5157 in East Lansing, Paula Gromak at (989) 673-8173, ext. 120 in Caro, or Lori Krause at (906) 428-1060, ext. 112 in the Upper Peninsula. In addition, visit the Energy Grants and Loans webpage on the MSU Floriculture AoE Team’s website for additional updated information. You may also wish to visit the USDA Rural Development website for more details.
Recycle your old plastic garden pots and containers
Join us for a one-time opportunity to recycle your old plastic flower pots, tree and shrub containers, plastic trays and labels. Clean out your garage or garden shed and bring as many old flower pots and plastic trays, even plastic buckets that you can find.
When: Saturday, May 31 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Where: Watch for the signs posting the location behind the Plant Biology building off Wilson Avenue (parking lot 46). Michigan State University campus
What can be recycled?
All pots and containers that have recycle numbers on the bottom as follows: #2 HDPE, # 5 PP, #6 PS. We can also take tray flats, plastic buckets and tags.
How to prepare
It is not a requirement to wash your items before you bring them, but make sure as much dirt as possible is knocked out of the container. Please check that there are no stones or any other contaminants, since these will eventually be melted down by a local Michigan company.
All containers and tags should be sorted before you bring them to campus. Please sort by recycle number and size and nest containers tightly. Please view the website for more details: http://www.hrt.msu.edu/RecyclePlasticPots/Default.htm
Mark your calendars: MSU Weed Tour and Crop Diagnostic Day dates are set
Before you schedule your vacation this summer make sure to get these two dates on your calendar. The 2008 MSU Weed Tour will be held on Wednesday, July 2 and the sixth annual MSU Crop Diagnostic School will be held on Friday, July 18. These field days offer you the latest information in weed management and other crop protection and crop management strategies. Stay tuned for details and for each of these events.
Michigan Department of Agriculture to Survey for Exotic Pests Throughout 2008
LANSING - The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) will continue its survey efforts to locate exotic pests which threaten the state’s agricultural, forestry, and ecological resources, which represent nearly $64 billion of Michigan’s economic base. Michigan’s diverse agricultural economy, vast forest lands, large nursery industry, and busy ports-of-entry place the state at exceptionally high risk for the introduction and spread of exotic plant pests.
“In today’s global economy, the unintentional introduction of exotic plant pests is inevitable,” said Don Koivisto, MDA director.
“Early detection is critical for the implementation of successful control, regulatory, and education measures to protect the continued viability of Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources.”
Since 2000, at least eight significant exotic plant pests have been discovered in Michigan, threatening the state’s wheat, potato, soybean, and stone fruit industries, as well as ash, beech, hemlock, and pine forests.
Exotic insects and diseases are transported inter-continentally in live plants and cut flowers, solid-wood packing materials like crates and pallets, and as hitchhikers in luggage and containerized cargo. Once established, they can move quickly through natural dispersal and, more importantly, through artificial spread in agricultural and forest commodities, ornamental plants and landscape trees, and firewood.
“Michigan’s agriculture sector produces more than 200 agricultural commodities, and with countless potential pests threatening them, there is no shortage of possible survey targets in Michigan,” said Ken Rauscher, MDA’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division director.
“MDA depends almost entirely on the availability of small federal grants to help us detect the next emerald ash borer or Dutch elm disease before it’s too late.”
In 2008, MDA will focus its efforts on: monitoring the movement of emerald ash borer and sirex woodwasp; assessing the success of eradication measures against plum pox virus and hemlock woolly adelgid; and detecting new and unknown species of woodboring insects, forest defoliators, and apple pests.
MDA partners other agencies conducting similar survey activities, including: the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Michigan Technological University, and Michigan State University.
For more information on MDA’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division, visit www.michigan.gov/mda.
Many Michigan growers plan to increase apple acreage
(DeWitt, Mich.) – Many Michigan apple growers – bullish on the future of fruit production in the state – say they expect to increase their acreage over the next five years, according to the non-profit organization representing the state’s apple industry.
Results of a survey conducted this winter by the Michigan Apple Committee reveal that 42 percent of participants believe they will expand their apple orchards in the near future. Another 40 percent believe their acreage will remain steady, while only 13 percent anticipate downsizing. About 4 percent are unsure about the future size of their orchard.
“Michigan apple growers have experienced solid economic and environmental conditions in recent years, and are investing in the future of apple production here,” said Denise Yockey, MAC executive director. “Agriculture is Michigan’s second-largest industry, and typically half of America’s ‘farm gate value’ comes from fruits, vegetables and other so-called specialty crops.”
The survey results – released just ahead of blossom time in Michigan – also indicate growers are more focused on fresh market apples, or those sold in produce departments. While fresh market apple production demands perfection in the growing process, it is the most profitable for the state’s growers and most likely to sustain Michigan orchard land. Foreign-grown apples – most notably China, which produces 53 percent of the world’s apples – have stolen much of the U.S. apple juice market.
“It’s most surprising to see that 53 percent of our growers see themselves increasing their focus on fresh apples,” Yockey said. “We have long played a vital role in the processed market – with about 60 percent of the apples grown here getting processed into another product.”
There are currently about 7.5 million apple trees in commercial production, covering some 37,000 acres throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Despite a slight decline in Michigan apple acreage over the past few years, production has remained relatively steady because newer orchards are trending toward high-density plantings, upwards of 500 trees per acre.
“With high-density plantings, growers actually can have higher production with less land,” said Yockey.
“High-density trees grow only 12 feet tall. They come into fruit sooner and are much easier to harvest and maintain. Michigan remains the third-largest apple producer in the nation, producing on average about 19 million bushels of apples per year over the past several years.”
There are 950 family-owned apple orchards in Michigan. About 99 percent are small family farmers, operating on 100 acres or less.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to promotion, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption by consumers in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.
Michigan Asparagus Growers Vote to Support Marketing Program
LANSING - Michigan asparagus producers have voted to continue the Michigan Asparagus Industry Development Program.
The Michigan Asparagus Industry Development Program helps improve the economic position of Michigan asparagus growers by supporting research and market development efforts. The program was last approved in 2003, and by law, must be renewed every five years.
The program will continue for an additional five years, beginning June 8, 2008 and ending June 7, 2013. The current assessment is at a rate not to exceed two cents per pound.
A total of 71 valid ballots were cast in the referendum. Of those, 62 producers voted yes (87 percent) representing just over 12 million pounds of asparagus (92 percent) and nine producers voted no (13 percent) representing approximately 1 million pounds (eight percent). For the program to have been renewed, more than 50 percent of the producer votes cast, representing more than 50 percent of the total number of bushels represented on the cast ballots, must have approved it.
Thinking About Going Green – Look No Further than Corn Heat
DEWITT, MICH. – There is a growing trend in the United States to become more environmentally friendly by going “green.” Michigan’s corn farmers suggest Americans use corn heat as a “green” solution for not only reducing our use of foreign fossil fuels, but also as a way to lower home and business heating costs.
Businesses, homeowners, and municipalities can use corn, America’s renewable resource, as their primary heating fuel and make themselves more “green” by using corn heating units. Corn heating units are designed specifically to generate heat from burning corn kernels. Corn heating units are different than wood-burning stoves because they are designed to burn the dry granular fuel. Some units are biomass stoves and can burn other fuels in addition to corn such as pellets, nutshells, small wood chips, and other small grains such as rye, wheat and barley.
Corn is an annually renewable fuel source. It is grown across the United States and has been roughly an 11 billion bushel crop for the last three years. By using corn for heating purposes, we can help to decrease our use of fossil fuels and other rapidly depleting energy sources. As oil and other energy sources are being depleted; corn is replenished annually and therefore makes an alternative fuel source that is renewable year after year. “I take great pride in the fact that I grow corn on my farm and am able to utilize its potential as an energy crop to heat not only my home, but also my shop and office,” added Pat Feldpausch, Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA) chairman and a corn grower from Fowler.
Corn heating systems can be used for many different heating purposes. Corn can take the place of other heating sources that have been used in the past, such as electricity, propane, heating oil, natural gas, or wood. Heating a 2,000 square foot home would require approximately 250 bushels of corn a year. “Corn heating units are very economical and are a cost-effective alternative to heating with propane or electricity, or even wood,” said Chris Schilling, an engineering professor at Saginaw Valley State University. “Even with corn around $5.00 a bushel, it is still cheaper to heat with corn than with electricity or propane.”
Not only are corn heating units cost effective, but they are also environmentally-friendly. Since corn heating units are designed to burn under oxidizing conditions, the resulting smoke is nearly odorless and consists largely of carbon dioxide and steam. In addition, they do not emit significant particulate emissions. Unlike the combustion of ordinary fossil fuels, the carbon dioxide produced during corn burning does not add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
For more information on heating with corn, a list of corn heating unit manufacturers and dealers, and a list of corn sellers specifically for corn heat, visit www.micorn.org/heat.
Corn Referendum Passes
DEWITT, MICH. – Michigan corn growers have spoken. They would like to continue investing in research, market development, education and new uses for Michigan corn for five more years.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture conducted the referendum vote for the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM), the state’s corn check-off program, Jan. 28-Feb. 8, 2008. In order for the program to continue, the referendum had to pass by both the majority of corn farmers and corn production voted. The vote passed by 79 percent of the popular vote of farmers and 77 percent of the production voted.
The CMPM was created under the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act, P.A. 232 of 1965, as amended. This law allows for the establishment of check-off programs, like the CMPM, for commodities grown in Michigan and sold. Since the CMPM is a mandatory check-off, every five years Michigan’s corn farmers are asked if they want the program to continue for an additional five years.
ENVIRONMENTAL & AGRICULTURAL POLICY UPDATE (February 2008)