Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent appointments to the Michigan Apple Committee include county Farm Bureau members Michael Dietrich (Ottawa), Gregory Kugel (Berrien), and Eric Roossinck (Newaygo).
The appointees will serve a term through April 2026 and include:
Ottawa County Farm Bureau Michael Dietrich, of Conklin, is a fifth-generation farmer with 26 years of experience. He farms 450 acres, 420 of which are for apples and the remainder for cherries. Dietrich is vice chair of the Michigan Apple Committee and a board member of the U.S. Apple Association. He is reappointed to represent district 2 growers.
Berrien County Farm Bureau member Gregory Kugel, of Berrien Springs, owns and operates Kugel Farms. He is a Michigan State University graduate who in 2022 was named to the Moody on the Market 40 under 40 list and is recognized as a rising star in the industry. Kugel is appointed to represent district 1 growers and succeeds Jeremy Shank, whose term has expired.
Newaygo County Farm Bureau member Eric Roossink, of Fremont, has over 20 years of experience growing apples and tree fruit, as well as managing fruit storage and shipping operations. He graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Roossink is reappointed to represent district 3 growers.
The Michigan Apple Committee is dedicated to improving the profitability of the fresh and processed apple industries by coordinating market development, educational activities and research efforts that help ensure the sector’s continued success.
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