House Oversight Public Health and Food Security Subcommittee Chair Matthew Bierlein today led a hearing on potential threats to Michigan’s food supply and what is being done to combat them.

In a joint hearing with the House Oversight Homeland Security and Foreign Influence Subcommittee, Bierlein and fellow legislators heard a presentation from officials from the Michigan State University Extension program on foreign animal diseases, crop pests and pathogens that impact the state’s vital agriculture industry.

“From fungus to flies and so much more, it’s important to illuminate these issues and understand that these risks can have severe ramifications for workers, families, job providers and our state’s economy,” said Bierlein, of Vassar. “Michigan ranks among the nation’s highest producers for several crops, like blueberries, apples, cherries and grapes. Crops like corn and soybeans support thousands of jobs and bring in billions of dollars to our economy every year, and livestock provides livelihoods for many. If our crops are adversely impacted, it’s going to have a major trickle-down effect.

“This hearing was informative as representatives of the people could learn more about how these vital systems are being protected and what threats are out there.”

According to statistics in the presentation, the cost of invasive species in the United States on agriculture is over $500 billion. MSU Extension highlighted various programs, like their invasive pest detection program in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture and the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, that amplify readiness to catch threats early, provide analysis of historical data to predict how future conditions could affect pest or pathogen timing and impacts, and deploy rapid response plans to provide growers with solutions.

Bierlein noted that while this research and forecast work saves crops, it also allows farmers to make informed management decisions and save on spraying in certain situations – further bolstering Michigan as a leader in the agriculture industry.

The presentation also covered how the state is assessing and addressing threats to farm animals, such as strains of Avian influenza in poultry and dairy herds and New World Screwworm, which has recently been found in Texas.

“This is critical to protecting our beef, pork, poultry and milk supplies,” Bierlein said. “This work truly never stops. Awareness and preparedness must be priorities.”