Director Boring Attends Upper Peninsula State Fair; Outlines Vision for the ‘Future of Agriculture’ in the UP

MARQUETTE, Mich. - This week, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring traveled to the Upper Peninsula (UP) to recognize the Marquette Farmers Market, attend the UP State Fair, celebrate the 125^th anniversary of the MSU Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center, and convene a community roundtable at Partridge Creek Farms. Throughout his time in the UP, Boring discussed Governor Whitmer's most recent bipartisan budget investments in Michigan's food and agriculture businesses across the UP.

"The UP is a distinctive component of Michigan's food and agricultural makeup. The region's unparalleled natural resources, unique climate, varied soils, and skilled workforce are well recognized, and Governor Whitmer's bipartisan budget is an investment in the future of the UP," said Director Boring. "A key component to expanding food and agriculture in the UP will be MDARD's new 'Farm to Family' program, which will build agricultural diversity, fuel economic growth in agriculture, increase food security, provide healthy food options, and cultivate climate resiliency across the industry. The future for Michigan food and agriculture in the Upper Peninsula is strong."

On Wednesday, Director Boring joined Representative Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) at Partridge Creek Farm for a community roundtable focused on Governor Whitmer's FY25 budget, which includes $3 million for developing MDARD's "Farm to Family" program. Attendees also discussed other vital investments in the Governor's budget, including an additional $3 million to support the Fair Food Network's Double-Up Food Bucks and a $5.1 million investment in climate-resilient agricultural practices in Michigan to help combat climate change and its impacts on farmers in this uncertain time.

"The FY25 budget continues to invest in families and rural communities across Michigan," said Representative Hill. "I'm proud to have been a part of developing programs like Farm-to-Family and supporting conservation funding, while also making key investments in economic growth that help places like the U.P."

Director Boring presented a tribute from Governor Whitmer recognizing the exemplary work taking place at the Marquette Farmers Market. The Marquette Farmers Market is focused on supporting local farmers, growers, and artisans, making available wholesome, quality food and goods, and providing a festive marketplace that benefits and supports the local community.

The MSU Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC) is a hub for sustainable agriculture innovation and education relevant to UP communities' environment, economy, and needs. UPREC was established in 1899 at Chatham to conduct "experiments pertaining to agriculture and horticulture...beneficial to the agricultural interests of the Upper Peninsula."

For over 120 years, UPREC has spearheaded research investigating the breadth of UP crops and livestock and delivered educational programming serving generations of UP farmers and community members. Today, the facility comprises two campuses totaling 827 acres and is a hub for sustainable agriculture innovation and education. The UPREC South Farm maintains a herd of experimental grass-fed Red Angus beef cattle and conducts research on forage and field crops. The North Farm is dedicated to research on certified organic specialty crops and hosts a farm business incubator program to help grow the next generation of U.P. farmers.

Since 1928, the UP State Fair has provided a place for people across the nation to experience and celebrate the unique culture and heritage of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Prioritizing agriculture promotion, economic development, and education and heritage, the fair is as unique and wonderful as the people and places found across the marvelous Upper Peninsula.

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