Whereas, The agriculture and food system is a leading industry in Michigan, directly and indirectly contributing $60.1 billion in economic activity annually, and accounting for 1.05 million jobs; and,

Whereas, Michigan’s agricultural sector is vital to the health of our citizens as a provider of safe, secure, affordable, and nutritious foods and to our environment through conservation practices and as a preserver of open space; and,

Whereas, Michigan farmers face numerous challenges as they seek to meet society’s needs, including not only weather related disasters and increasingly stiff global competition, but also emerging animal and plant diseases and man-made threats ranging from criminal activity to agro-terrorism; and,

Whereas, Prevention of incidents can be improved through education and training, as well as increased physical security practices like appropriate use of locks, gates, and biosecurity measures; and,

Whereas, Preparedness, through developing emergency response plans and contact information helps provide for early detection by a trained and ready workforce; and,

Whereas, Quick and effective response to incidents can help to prevent the spread of diseases, the loss of life, and the reduction of Michigan jobs, as well as minimize the impact on Michigan’s environment; and,

Whereas, Rapid recovery from agricultural emergencies increasingly requires close coordination of actions with the private sector by officials from all levels of government, as well as university experts; and,

Whereas, Michigan leaders from both the public and private sectors have worked together to develop numerous useful tools to help improve security and emergency management capabilities in the agricultural sector, including the “Be Aware, Be Prepared” campaign, the “Emergency Planning for the Farm” bulletin, the “Agricultural Security Series” and many others; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2006, as Agricultural Security Month in Michigan.