Michigan meat industry upset about 'Meatout Day'

JONES, Mich. — A proclamation by Michigan's governor is causing controversy among carnivores. Jennifer Granholm issued a proclamation Wednesday declaring "Michigan Meatout Day" in which people are asked to avoid eating meat on Saturday. Andy White has been raising pigs all his life. He is part owner of a pork operation in Cass County. "We take pride in what we do,” said White. “We care about working hard to provide a safe and healthy product for the whole world to eat.” When White heard about Granholm's "Meatout" proclamation, he wasn't happy. In the proclamation, Granholm asks people to choose a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains on Saturday instead of meat. She says reducing meat consumption can decrease exposure to bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. White says those types of illnesses come from more than just meat. "If you look at the most recent food outbreaks, it is not from the meat industry," says White. Not to mention, White says, meat is also part of a balanced meal. He says meat producers would have been a lot happier if the Governor would have just told people to eat healthier. And others agree. "When my wife sets the table, there are always fruits and vegetables on the table to go along with the meat. You don't have to give up meat to be healthy," said Michigan resident Roy Wood. The governor has since issued a new proclamation declaring Saturday "Michigan Agriculture Day." But White thinks more needs to be said, especially since farming is the state's number two industry. "Ag is a big part of what Michigan does,” he said. “I think that livestock and dairy account for about 65 percent of Michigan's total output.” A spokesperson from the governor’s office said they receive hundreds of requests to recognize events and observances, and that the original proclamation wasn't meant to disrespect the agriculture industry. In the original proclamation, the governor says the number of those who choose to live the lifestyle of a vegan or vegetarian has increased, and so has the availability and selection of meat and dairy alternatives. Granholm has placed a call to the Michigan Farm Bureau to emphasize her support for Michigan's number two industry.