Monroe County Master Gardener Association

Due to even MORE RESTRAINTS on Michigan’s agriculture businesses I have both written and called the Governor’s office protesting the blocking off of store areas selling plants, seeds, garden supplies, etc. and also banning greenhouse/garden centers from operating. Many of us have gardens that we grow fruits and vegetables in – both from seeds and plants – that not only keep us engaged on our own properties, but supply fresh produce that we consume, share and preserve. Garden retailers are more than willing to comply with restrictions set forth on curbside delivery and are insuring that they will follow the guidelines of the number of customers in the stores/garden centers at one time.
If you agree, please reach out to Governor Whitmer’s office by mail, phone or email – or all three!:
Mail:
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, Michigan 48909
Phone:
517-373-3400
517-335-7858 (Constituent Services)
Email: governorsoffice@michigan.gov.

“In recent comments to Michigan Farm Bureau publication Michigan Farm News, the bureau’s Horticulture Specialist Audrey Sebolt estimated the gardening industry could lose out on between $580 and $700 million if growers can’t sell their plants, and said people might want to turn to gardening as a way to cope with stress.

The decision to shut down parts of stores that aren’t food and medicine comes shortly after the Michigan Farm Bureau requested the governor consider the retail sale of plants essential infrastructure, suggesting retailers were willing to comply with increased restrictions like curbside delivery.

Thanks,
Naida