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Specialty crop growers left in limbo over permitting delays

Michigan specialty crop growers are concerned state permitting delays will disrupt the ability to package their products this summer.

Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee President Chad Reenders tells Brownfield, “This past year, we’ve had multiple facilities reach out to our committee and others and say, listen, they’re denying our permits, we can’t operate down the road here very soon and we’re going to have to shut down.”

He says the Food Safety Modernization Act requires facilities to use water treatment additives as part of food safety protocols, but those products have been called into question as part of groundwater discharge permit renewals from the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

“These growers are being told that they can’t pack fruit,” he says. “But no one’s telling them how they can change their operation to make sure that they can get the permit.”

Reenders says facilities have not been able to find the sanitation products or suppliers willing to meet the agency’s requirements and growers have reached out to state lawmakers to intervene.

State Representative Pauline Wendzel and Senator Aric Nesbitt say agency officials have contradicted themselves and provided no straight answers on what the delay is, why permits have been refused, or a timeline on when actions may be taken.

In a statement to Brownfield, an official with EGLE says the department is working with affected permit applicants toward solutions that protect rights and safeguard public health and the environment. EGLE also plans to respond to Sen. Nesbitt and Rep. Wendzel to address their concerns.

AUDIO: Chad Reenders, Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee