County Farm Bureaus support Michigan Rural Communities
Our farms and families are woven into the fabric of Michigan’s rural communities and economy. Much like our crops, livestock, and businesses, our rural communities need care and nurturing to ensure they can meet residents’ needs, support area businesses, and sustain a functional local government.
Recognizing that our organization is well-positioned to help our communities address challenges, overcome barriers to growth, and embrace opportunities, the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) Rural Communities Task Force was appointed in 2023.
How you can help
In its initial work, the task force reviewed research, sought expert input and shared policy recommendations on issues impacting rural communities, including land use, agricultural representation in local government, and food insecurity. Member delegates at MFB’s 2023 State Annual Meeting agreed with the task force’s policy recommendations, making several amendments and additions to the policy guiding the organization.
To help implement that policy and influence change, our Rural Communities Task Force proposed several ways for county Farm Bureaus and individual members to help support their rural communities. County Farm Bureaus are encouraged to review the four corner posts — Food Insecurity, Local Government, Land Use and Broadband — as outlined here and determine which areas they could influence locally. How can your county Farm Bureau make a positive difference for agriculture in your community?
Land Use
Producing abundant food, fiber and fuel relies on productive agricultural land. Because of this, and because Michigan communities are diverse and unique, we believe land-use decisions are best made locally, by the people who live there.
MFB has robust policy on land use and farmland protection, which helps position our county Farm Bureaus to provide input on planning and zoning decisions, brownfield redevelopment, housing and commercial development, and more.
- We acknowledge the diversity and uniqueness of each community in our state. We believe that land use decisions are best made by local communities including planning and zoning decisions for energy siting and megasite development. We oppose preemption of local zoning for these purposes.
Modified language on opposition to preemption of local zoning for renewable energy siting is included in Land Use policy #81, lines 39-41.
- We believe a priority should be given to preserving productive agricultural land to provide for long-term sustainability and viability of agriculture. We support enhancing incentives for brownfield redevelopment and incentives to grow populations within our urban centers to reduce sprawl within rural areas.
Included in Farmland Protection policy #77, lines 82-84.
- We believe that land currently enrolled in the PA 116 program should not be eligible for development for commercial solar projects.
New modified language included in Farmland Protection #77, lines 61-63.
- We believe MFB should promote resources that have been developed to assist local units of government on the planning, siting, and zoning of renewable energy.
- In addition to required bonding, we believe that state and federal funding for industrial clean-up should be consistent in rural areas for any private and/or publicly funded megasite development that needs to be decommissioned.
New language on required bonding in Land Use policy # 81, lines 107-111.
Agricultural land use decisions have and will continue to impact agriculture across Michigan. County Farm Bureaus have an important role in engaging in those impacts locally by encouraging farmer representation in key local positions such as township boards, zoning boards, etc. In addition, counties should play a key role in educating local officials on topics that impact agriculture.
- Participate in petition campaigns that support MFB Policy
- Communicate and educate local officials on key issues that impact agriculture.
- Meet one on one with local officials
- Host local officials on a land use tour
- Host a reception prior to an event inviting local officials
- Celebrate local officials during Ag week reminding them the importance of agriculture to the local economy
- Update local officials on policy recommendations:
- Focus on agricultural land use decisions
- Ag Development
- Siting of renewable energy
- Write policy recommendations at the local level and commit to policy implementation at the local level
- Local elected officials
- County Government
- Road Commission
- Township Government
- Local Animal Control
- Meet the Candidates event
- MSUE presentation on master plans/planning & zoning
- Right to Farm presentation from MDARD and/or MFB
- PA 116 presentation from MDARD and/or MFB
- Public Policy Committees
- Any committee that has interest in assisting
- Matt Kapp, MFB Government Relations Specialist
- Grassroots Lobbying Guide
Local Government
County Farm Bureaus are the largest agricultural organization in our rural communities. If you don’t represent and defend agriculture locally, who will? Agricultural representation on local boards and commissions is critical, as is participating in planning and zoning discussions, meeting with elected officials, and submitting public comments on issues.
- We encourage County Farm Bureaus to communicate adopted local resolutions to local elected officials, including county, township, and any applicable municipalities.
- We believe agricultural representation on local boards and commissions is vital. We encourage Farm Bureau members to take a more active role in local government, especially land use planning, zoning, development and updating of master plans. We encourage MSUE to provide more planning and zoning education and master plans for townships and counties. We encourage county Farm Bureaus to disseminate this information to our members.
Included in Local Government policy #66, lines 20-21.
- We encourage county Farm Bureaus to take a more active role in recruiting agricultural representatives on local boards, township positions, and commissions. Not all positions that impact agriculture are elected, some are appointed, and farmer representation is important. We support the promotion of existing programs at statewide MFB events, such as the Academy for Political Leadership, for members who are not only interested in seeking political office but also interested in learning more about government – its operations and how members can have an impact.
Representing members at the local government level is consistent with the mission statement of representing agriculture and improving net farm income. County Farm Bureau engagement on local issues helps illustrate the importance of the county Farm Bureau.
Making sure farmers’ voices are heard from a local, state and national perspective...
“The _______ County Farm Bureau is the largest agricultural organization in _______ County. If you don’t represent and defend agriculture locally who will?” – Matthew D. Kapp, MFB
- Attend local government meetings
- Notify members on a local issue:
- Text
- Social Media
- Public Comment
- Letter
- Oral Testimony
- Meet one-on-one with local government officials
- Breakfast/lunch with local officials
- Share county FB policy resolutions with local officials
- Farm tours
- Policy implementation
- Conduct an assessment of your membership on who serves in a local government position
- County Government
- Road Commission
- Township Government
- School Board
- Local Animal Control
- Kalamazoo County (Brady Township)
- Ogemaw (Edwards Township)
- Macomb County Board of Commissioners
- Calhoun County (Leroy Township)
- Mason County Planning Commission
- Public Policy Committees
- MFB Academy for Political Leadership
- Candidate Handbook
- Matt Kapp, MFB Government Relations Specialist
- Local government official involvement survey template (Microsoft Forms, PDF)
- Draft email language to accompany the survey:
The [Your County] Farm Bureau has a goal of increasing the number of farmers that serve in government positions. We want to learn how many of our members currently serve in a government position. To assist us in this goal, please complete this survey by clicking the link below.
- Draft email language to accompany the survey:
Broadband
Limited or poor access to broadband continues to be a major impediment for many rural Michigan residents and businesses. While Farm Bureau has been a driver in improving broadband quality and availability, there’s more work to be done.
- We would request a report from the Michigan Office of High-Speed Internet on the progress of state and federal money deploying new broadband technology.
Included in Broadband policy #44, lines 36-38.
Every county is different in availability and adoption of broadband. There is no one-size-fits-all approach or solution among communities looking to improve broadband access.
The Michigan Public Service Commission has partnered with Connected Nation Michigan to develop an interactive statewide broadband availability map in Michigan. View the map.
Action by Michigan Farm Bureau:
- Acquire broadband assessment later this year.
- Request CMM contact Michigan Office High Speed Internet for member update in publication.
- County Farm Bureaus can reach out to other local groups to understand what conversations are happening in their area. Examples include, but not limited to:
- Township or county elected official
- Local Chamber
- Local Economic Cooperations
- County Farm Bureaus can connect with Connect Michigan and/or High-Speed Internet Office to show connectivity mapping as well as find out what grant allocations are being invested in their area.
- If applicable, the county Farm Bureau can host a meeting with service providers and members to talk about future investments.
- County Farm Bureaus can conduct a self-assessment of members connectivity needs through a survey provided below.
- County Farm Bureaus can encourage members to enroll their land in Miss Dig to receive notifications when work is being done on their property. This can be achieved by distributing information provided by Miss Dig or by requesting Miss Dig to promote enrollment at county events. With the expansion of fiber in the right of way, it is crucial for farmers to receive notifications to prevent damage to their infrastructure, such as tile lines.
- Township or county elected official
- Local Chamber
- Local Economic Cooperations
- Hold and information meeting on local implementation plans and invite local officials
- Ask local officials questions and work jointly with service providers
- Public Policy Committees
- Andrew Vermeesch, MFB Legislative Counsel
- Broadband Survey Template (Microsoft Forms, PDF)
- Draft email language to accompany the survey:
The [Your County] Farm Bureau is dedicated to supporting our farming community. We are focusing on understanding and improving broadband access in our region because we know that reliable internet access is crucial for farms and agribusinesses. To better serve you, we need to hear directly from you about your current broadband usage, availability, and needs. We kindly ask you to take a few moments to complete a brief survey. Your feedback is invaluable and will guide our efforts in advocating for better broadband services tailored to the specific needs of our farming community. Thank you for your time and input. Together, we can work towards ensuring that our farmers have the connectivity they need to thrive.
- Draft email language to accompany the survey:
Food Insecurity
USDA data shows one in five children in the U.S. faced food insecurity in 2022. Feeding America found that 90% of food-insecure counties are rural. Children who grow up food insecure don’t do well in school and experience higher rates of chronic health issues. Farm Bureau’s presence across rural Michigan gives us a unique opportunity to influence and engage with charitable food networks to help address families’ needs while also advancing Michigan agriculture.
Recommendations of the task force were included in the new Food Insecurity policy #18.
Recent data from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) states one in five children in the U.S. faced food insecurity in 2022, totaling more than 13 million kids. Food security is a critical determinant of health, especially during developmental years. Children who grow up food insecure don’t do well in school, and experience higher rates of chronic issues like obesity and immune-function disorders. Food insecurity limits children’s opportunities and hinders their collective potential, today and in the future.
Feeding America found that 90% of food-insecure counties are predominantly rural. Farm Bureau’s presence across rural Michigan allows the organization a unique opportunity to influence and engage with charitable food networks to help address families’ needs while also advancing Michigan agriculture. MFB policy recognizes this prospect and supports measures to involve agriculture in efforts to eradicate childhood food insecurity. Together, we can end childhood hunger in Michigan.
- Venison donation programs
- Encourage participation among hunters
- Provide processors with details and encouragement to participate
- Identify policies and practices that inhibit childhood food security
- Universal free school lunch continuation & local purchasing requirement
- Tax policy modifications that increase the feasibility of agricultural donation
- Identifying Michigan Agricultural Surplus System contract opportunities
- Organizing and promoting Harvest for All activities
- Applying for and encouraging agent utilization of Agent Charitable Fund monies
- Double Up Donation Match
- Feeding the Future Grant
- Agents for Change Grant
- Participate in Farm Bureau Volunteer Days
- Applying for UDIM Grant monies
- Donation Locations:
- Food Bank Council of Michigan (statewide)
- Feeding America Network (regional)
- Community-Operated Food Pantries & Clubs (local)
- Venison Donation Programs
- Michigan Sportsman Against Hunger
- Harvest for All:
- Sanilac County Freeze Out Hunger
- Berrien County Thanks 4 Giving
- Donating Agricultural Products:
- Isaiah Wunsch Buy-One-Donate-One apple program
- Agent Charitable Fund:
- Feeding the Future: Bobby Barrigar FARM Crates
- Agents for Change: Kelsey Starr and Ben Starr FARM Science Lab
- Double Up Donation Match: Jackson County Cornhole for Hunger
- Young Farmer Committees
- Promotion & Education Committees
- Policy Development Committees
- Feeding MI Families – This research initiative between Farm Bureau and the University of Michigan School of Public Health spoke to nearly 1,300 families in Michigan who struggle with food insecurity and asked them for their experiences and recommendations to improve the food assistance systems available to them. Parents in the study discussed how biases and stigma impact the way that programs and systems like SNAP, WIC, and charitable food are experienced and utilized. Parents highlight components of these programs that do and do not meet their families' needs and identify changes that could improve them. Parents speak in depth about their desire to feed their kids healthy, fresh, and nutritious foods, and the struggles that they face when trying to access them. This research paints a clear picture of who is utilizing food assistance in Michigan and empowers families to share their stories along the way.
- Michigan Sportsman Against Hunger
- Donation Locations:
- Food Bank Council of Michigan (statewide)
- Feeding America Network (regional)
- United Way (local)
Want to learn more?
Check out the Supporting Rural Communities episode of the CAG Block Party Podcast!