News

Michigan ag director steps down for USDA job

 

The director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture is leaving her post for a new position with the USDA.

Jamie Clover Adams tells Brownfield she’s planning on taking Michigan’s customer service approach to the country’s farm, conservation and risk management programs.  “I do have some ideas on customer service and how we can better serve farmers out at the county office level, and how we can better organize across the states and provide better service.”  In March, Clover Adams will join USDA as an advisor in the office of the secretary.

She says she’s most proud of revitalizing the state’s economic development, making the Food Safety Modernization Act work for small and medium-sized farms, and growing the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program during her leadership.  “We’re creating this new conservation ethos among our younger farmers and I think for all of us that will be a good thing.”

Appointed by Governor Rick Snyder in 2012, Clover Adams was the first female ag director in Michigan.

Clover Adams will be replaced by Chief Deputy Director Gordon Wenk.

AUDIO: Interview with Director Jamie Clover Adams