Farm Business - Programs
11:00am - 2:00pm

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development - Grant Opportunities
11:00am - 11:45am
Amy Bearss - MDARD

Everything You Need to Know About Groundwater Discharge Permits and Produce Wash Water
11:45am - 12:30pm
Have you ever wondered if your produce wash water can be applied directly to the ground? Did you know that if you are discharging any wastewater from a washing station to the ground you may need to obtain a Groundwater Discharge Permit from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)?  Staff from EGLE will explain applicable regulations and walk through when produce wash water sites might need a permit to apply their wastewater to the ground.
Kristine Rendon - EGLE
Christine Alexander - EGLE

MAEAP: Looking Forward
12:30pm-1:30pm
Panel discussion on the value of MAEAP and needs for the program
Update from MDARD on next steps for MAEAP
MDARD staff and MAEAP partners

Secondary Markets for Excess Produce – Utilizing the Food Bank Network
1:30pm-2:00pm
Food Banks provide a strong secondary market for excess and below grade produce, allowing farmers to recoup the costs of growing while reducing food wasted. Michigan Food Banks have received $12 million from the State to purchase Michigan agricultural pro
Natasha Tarnowsky - Food Bank Council of Michigan
Garrett Zuver - Food Bank Council of Michigan