Legislature salutes Michigan farmers' care of environment, public

Contact: Matt Smego, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2044

LANSING, April 22, 2010 - In recognition of farmers as Michigan's first environmental stewards, and coinciding with Earth Day, the Michigan House and Senate have passed resolutions that recognize Michigan farmers "for their efforts in caring for Michigan's land and water resources, while providing safe, affordable, and wholesome food products."

The Senate acknowledges Michigan farmers' "commitment to agriculture and their respect for the Earth" in a resolution recognizing Earth Day, as introduced by Sen. Patricia Birkholz (R-Saugatuck) and adopted April 22. The House resolution introduced by Rep. Mike Huckleberry (D-Greenville) and passed the same day declares April 22, 2010 as "Farmers Care Day" in Michigan.

"Across the state through our network of county Farm Bureaus, local farmers are working hard to make sure people in their communities understand just how much farmers care about principle values important to everyone, and this includes environmental stewardship as well as food safety, top-notch animal care, and a commitment to balancing economic, environmental and social needs for the good of Michigan's future," said Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) President Wayne H. Wood.

"So we're grateful to the sponsors and the Legislature for taking time to recognize and validate the care shown by farmers, not just on Earth Day but every day throughout the year," said Wood.

Among other things, the resolutions highlight how nearly 10,000 Michigan farms have voluntarily participated in educational programs to learn about sound conservation practices through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), and how nearly 1,000 Michigan farms have become MAEAP-verified or have requested verification.

As a result of MAEAP, Michigan farmers have installed more than 2,400 acres of filter strips, reduced phosphorus use by more than 184,000 pounds per year, and have kept more than 55,000 tons of soil from eroding and making its way into waterways.

The resolutions also point out that "because Michigan farmers care, they voluntarily spend over $1.2 million annually to implement conservation practices in order to work toward MAEAP verification."

In addition, the resolutions highlight how:

Michigan farmers utilize global positioning technology which allows them to apply the most precise amount of nutrients or crop protectants to ensure plants only receive what they need for growth.
Michigan farmers put families first, with 95 percent of Michigan's 56,000 farms family-owned and -operated.
Farmers care about consumer choice and believe consumers should have the option of buying food that is consistent with their values and needs, and have access to balanced, objective information to help make informed choices.
Michigan farmers believe strongly in food safety, environmental integrity and animal care, and want consumers to feel confident enjoying high-quality and economical meat, vegetables, fruit, milk and eggs from modern and contemporary farms raised by farmers with traditional Michigan values.

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