Legislative Analysis
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DESIGNATE MANOOMIN (MICHIGAN WILD RICE)
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
AS OFFICIAL STATE NATIVE GRAIN
Analysis available at
House Bill 4852 as passed by the House http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Sponsor: Rep. Carrie Rheingans
Committee: Agriculture
Complete to 9-13-23
(Enacted as Public Act 247 of 2023)
SUMMARY:
House Bill 4852 would designate manoomin (Michigan wild rice) as the official native grain
of Michigan.
BACKGROUND:
While once prevalent throughout Michigan, wild rice is no longer as common as it was in
Michigan prior to its statehood. Wild rice grew in marshy areas in and around lakes and rivers,
and as the environment was altered to facilitate travel and increase farmable land area, the
rice’s habitat was diminished, and manoomin became almost extinct in Michigan.
In the last several decades, efforts have begun to restore manoomin’s wetlands habitat so the
species can be revived. To aid in these efforts, supporters that believe designating manoomin
as the official native grain will allow for increased education of the important role it plays in
the state’s history, not only as a native species but for its importance to the native tribes who
inhabited Michigan prior to European presence.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or on local units of government.
POSITIONS:
The following entities indicated support for the bill (9-13-23):
• Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
• Bay Mills Indian Community
• Clean Water Action
Legislative Analyst: Josh Roesner
Fiscal Analyst: Michael Cnossen
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
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