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Michigan Rural Communities

Wide shot of a field with a large farm operation in the background.

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.
 

Wide aerial shot of a large solar array in a field.

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.
 

Two Michigan Farm Bureau members speaking with a state senator at a local legislative event.

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.
 

Wide shot of a large spool of broadband cabling next to an unplanted field.

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.
 

A group of people selecting food from a free food pantry set up in a parking lot at a Feeding America event.

Want to learn more?

Check out the Supporting Rural Communities episode of the CAG Block Party Podcast!