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There are a great number of positives when people operate and work on urban farms and community gardens: access to fresh and healthy foods, community building and reduced transportation needs in areas known as food deserts. A new study from the University of Michigan discovered some areas where improvement is needed with some urban farms and gardens creating a carbon footprint much greater than conventionally grown produce. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Benjamin Goldstein to learn more about the research and why it caused such an uproar. Goldstein is co-lead author of the study.
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There is a long and storied history of African American farmers in Washtenaw County. Its impacts are often overlooked and underappreciated. Bringing the stories to light is the mission of the Ypsi Farmers and Gardeners Oral History Project. The project is headed by University of Michigan-Dearborn Assistant Professor of Human Services Dr. Finn Bell. He not only joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the project but brought Patricia Wells with him. She is a master gardener with a rich history of her own. This is the first in a series of Black History Month editions of "Washtenaw United" for 2024.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer continued a new Michigan holiday tradition in pardoning a turkey Wednesday. Colin Jackson has more.
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The repercussions of PFAS contamination continue to grow. Not only has it impacted fishing and recreation on the Huron River, it's affecting farmers and agriculture. Jason Grostic is owner of Grostic Cattle Company in Livingston County. His operations have been shut down because his cows tested positive for PFAS. As such, he’s gone nearly two years without a source of income and is now suing the source of the contamination, Wixom-based Tribar Manufacturing. He's also pushing state lawmakers to pass polluter-pay legislation that may prevent such occurrences in the future. Grostic shared his emotional story with WEMU's David Fair.
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A bill to support solar power production on farmland made it out of the Michigan Senate Tuesday. Colin Jackson has more.
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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is launching a new grant program to help agriculture businesses comply with environmental regulations. Colin Jackson has more.
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Canadian wildfires have lowered air quality in Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan. Climate change is impacting local and statewide agricultural practices and outcomes. Tim Boring is the director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. He joined WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak to share insights into how the state is working toward climate adaptation and resiliency in the face of significant challenges.
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Canadian wildfires have lowered air quality in Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan. Climate change is impacting local and statewide agricultural practices and outcomes. Tim Boring is the director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. He joined WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak to share insights into how the state is working toward climate adaptation and resiliency in the face of significant challenges.
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A decline in pollinators is adversely impacting the environment and could become a greater public health issue. The good news is, efforts are underway all over the country to address the matter, including at the University of Michigan. Dr. Sheila Schueller from the U-M's School for Environment and Sustainability joined us to share how the university was designated a "bee-friendly" campus and what comes next in expanding pollinator conservation.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has filled a vacancy on her cabinet to lead the department responsible for state agriculture policy. We have more from Rick Pluta.