Farm Bureau members appointed to Michigan blueberry and tree fruit commissions

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Date Posted: March 11, 2025

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has appointed or reappointed several county Farm Bureau members to serve on the Michigan Blueberry Commission and the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission.

"The work of these commission members is essential to ensuring Michigan’s blueberry and tree fruit industries remain competitive and sustainable," said Nancy Nyquist, Executive Director of both commissions. "Their leadership helps drive innovation and research, expand market opportunities, and strengthen the agricultural economy across the state."

Michigan Blueberry Commission

The following Farm Bureau members have been appointed to the Michigan Blueberry Commission:

Eric Kamphuis (Ottawa County Farm Bureau), from Holland, is the farm manager for S. Kamphuis Blueberries. He is also the owner and manager of Kamphuis Farms, LLC. Kamphuis has been appointed to represent District 1, succeeding Eric Jawor, whose term has expired.
Dave Reenders (Ottawa County Farm Bureau), from Grand Haven, is the president and owner of Crossroads Blueberry Farm. He studied business management at Muskegon Community College and has been reappointed to represent District 1.
Jason Thomas (Van Buren County Farm Bureau), from Grand Junction, is the operations manager at Thomas Blueberries. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in organizational communications from Western Michigan University, a Master of Arts in 20th-century Mexican literature from Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, and a Master of Arts in integrative health studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies. Thomas has been reappointed to represent District 2.

The appointees will serve a term through December 31, 2027.

Other growers currently serving on the committee include:

Robert Bodtke from South Haven, a Van Buren County Farm Bureau member
Creela Hamlin from South Haven, an Allegan County Farm Bureau member
Becky Hotovy from Hartford
Carly Parsley from Bloomingdale, a Van Buren County Farm Bureau member

The Michigan Blueberry Commission is housed within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and was created through the farmer-initiated process outlined in the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act. The Commission was created with the goal of improving the economic position and competitiveness of the Michigan blueberry industry by supporting research, education, and promotion program.

Michigan Tree Fruit Commission

The following Farm Bureau members have been appointed to the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission:

David Smeltzer (Benzie-Manistee County Farm Bureau), from Bear Lake, has owned West Wind Orchards, LLC since 2007 and was a partner at Per-Clin Orchards, Inc. for 28 years prior. He currently serves as chair of the Michigan Cherry Committee and holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Alma College. Smeltzer has been appointed to represent District 1 growers.
Gerrit Herrygers (Oceana County Farm Bureau), from Hart, is the lead sales representative and a certified crop advisor for Wilbur-Ellis Company, as well as a farmer at Herrygers Farms. He holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management from Michigan State University and has been reappointed to represent District 2 growers.
Daniel Dietrich (Ottawa County Farm Bureau), from Conklin, is the owner and operator of Ridgeview Orchards. He is a graduate of Sparta High School and has been reappointed to represent District 2 growers.

The appointees will serve a term through March 1, 2028.

The Michigan Tree Fruit Commission is a board that aims to improve the economic position of Michigan tree fruit growers by creating greater marketing opportunities. This is done by performing market research, disseminating market information, and expanding markets for tree fruit.

Other growers currently serving on the committee include: