Page 104 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK

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The MDARD abandoned and neglected orchards program and amendments to include other perennial crops. With the involvement of stakeholders and other departments, we support the development of rules to strengthen enforcement provisions of the program, including appropriate funding. and necessary funding.
Reviews and specific expirations for quarantines or movement restrictions.
Indemnification for losses of farm income when agricultural commodities or products are impounded, farms are quarantined, or movement or sales are restricted in the public interest. In determining indemnification, MDARD should consider at least one local appraisal of fair market value.
In the case of widespread animal disease outbreaks, indemnification should reflect prices that were current prior to the outbreak.
Investigating the feasibility of a livestock insurance fund that might complement existing state and/or federal indemnification programs. The feasibility study should consider loss of livestock and production due to disease outbreak, depredation, funding options, species participation and producer control of the fund.
A mechanism for loans or direct compensation for loss of income due to depopulation, quarantine or condemnation of agricultural products.
Enforcement of food safety laws, animal identification requirements, and inspection programs in Michigan, focused on working with producers to resolve problems in a timely fashion before the issuance of fines and penalties.
Photographic evidence taken as part of the inspection process being exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.
Certifying the accuracy of weights and measures, including moisture testing equipment.
Reviewing the point system for Pesticide
Applicators Certification to increase efficiency. MDARD considering the utilization of state certified third-party privatized contracting and technology for inspections, review and oversight for some programs.
MDARD working with the Michigan State University Pesticide Safety Education program to ensure that training materials for pesticide applicators include appropriate information on proper use, risk, volatility, and application of pesticides and
State Policies – Page 18