Gov. Snyder Changes Agriculture Department's Name
Gov. Rick Snyder has officially changed the name of the Michigan Department of Agriculture to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Snyder signed an order Tuesday making the change, which he'd announced in November.
The governor says the new name is "a clear signal'' his administration plans to help the agriculture industry grow so rural areas gain new and better jobs.
Keith Creagh used to be the department's deputy director. He was working for Lansing-based Neogen Corp. when Snyder appointed him director.
Creagh is working with other departments to improve roads and expand educational opportunities in agriculture so rural areas can grow.
The department plans to make sure "regulations are based on sound science'' and provide technical assistance on permit and regulation issues to farmers and food processors.
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