By Staff
LANSING - Dan Wyant, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, announced Thursday that on July 29 he will step down from the post he held for nine years.
Wyant was appointed to the position by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture in October 1996.
Wyant accepted a position as president and chief operating officer of the Edward Lowe Foundation, a private operating foundation that assists entrepreneurs.
The foundation is located on 2,500 acres of rural farmland in Cassopolis.
Wyant, a native of Cass County, brought a vast agricultural background to MDA with a bachelor of science degree in food systems management from Michigan State University and a master's degree in business administration from American University in Washington, D.C.
He began his public career providing policy expertise for the Michigan Senate and serving as legislative liaison for MDA.
He is past president of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Board; past president of the Mid-America International Agri-Trade Council (MIATCO), which encompasses 12 Midwestern states; and past chair of the Food Safety Policy Committee for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA).
Wyant is also past president of the Midwest Association of State Departments of Agriculture (MASDA); a former FFA state officer; and is currently a member of the Michigan FFA Foundation Board of Directors.
In February 2002, Wyant was appointed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman to serve on the USDA Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee.
In early 2003, he was appointed by Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm to the Michigan Land Use Leadership Council.
Under Wyant's leadership, MDA has seen an increase in consumer confidence due to programs that have placed a priority on food safety.
Wyant is especially proud of his role in introducing initiatives that promote environmental stewardship on farms.
A highlight of his MDA career included attaining split-state status for bovine tuberculosis, saving the state's livestock industry millions of dollars in testing costs and insuring markets for Michigan-raised cattle.
Wyant has also been a strong advocate of programs that help farmers add value to Michigan-grown commodities.
Wyant added, "It has been an honor to serve as department director for the past nine years and I leave very optimistic about the future economic potential of agriculture in Michigan."
The Director of Agriculture is appointed by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture, which will begin accepting applications for the post immediately.
Application information may be obtained from Debbie Merrill at 517/335-3403.Wyant added, "It has been an honor to serve as department director for the past nine years, and I leave very optimistic about the future economic potential of agriculture in Michigan."
The Director of Agriculture is appointed by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture, which will begin accepting applications for the post immediately. Application information may be obtained from Debbie Merrill at (517) 335-3403.