There’s agriculture funding, regulation, and an upcoming election — to name a few issues. And members want to talk to legislators, state agency leaders and other farmers.
Michigan Farm Bureau recently hosted the Lansing Legislative Seminar in Lansing, providing 305 members an opportunity to discuss Farm Bureau policy and share interests about the food and agriculture sector with state-elected officials.
“The issues they learn and talk about here are going to propel conversations that happen at the local level, at legislative coffee hours, at farm workshops, and at legislative breakfasts — wherever those might be,” said Rob Anderson, manager of government relations for Michigan Farm Bureau.
“This is an opportunity to meet with a bunch of farmers and legislators and kick off that conversation.”
The conversation included legislative and regulatory updates, a lunch reception with state representatives, senators and agency leaders, and various breakout sessions, including a discussion with agency leaders from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Department of Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy; and the Department of Natural Resources.
State Rep. Jerry Neyer spent 20 years as a farmer “on the other side” of the political fence.
Now, in a legislative role, he said it’s even more important to have these conversations.
“I see my peers are in need of education in how important agriculture is to our state,” Neyer told Michigan Farm News. “When we’re making laws and regulations, we need to get it correct so that our agriculture industry can continue to thrive.”
It’s about being agriculture’s voice, added Drew Bordner, “the ones to stand up and take action.”
“Ag needs that voice,” the St. Joseph County Farm Bureau member added.
“If we don’t do it, who will?”
Share Story
Article Tags
