KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Michigan Department of Agricultural and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell visited several local food and agricultural businesses in the Kalamazoo area on Wednesday, June 22.
Throughout 2022, Director McDowell is traveling across the state meeting with food and agricultural businesses as they advance during Michigan’s economic recovery and revitalization. He says the visits give him a chance to see the diversity in Michigan agriculture and food.
During his first stop at the Cake Boutique in Mattawan, just west of Kalamazoo, he stated that everything that is food starts with agriculture, while acknowledging the numerous challenges faced by producers during the pandemic.
McDowell says his main mission during his visits is to engage in conversations focused on how to thrive in Michigan’s new economy and MDARD can assist their development.
And what about long term goals on the director’s table? Pretty simple really.
McDowell’s day also included a stop at the Valley HUB at the Food Innovations Center at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
