Michigan Farm Bureau AgriPac endorses Snyder as 'Friend of Agriculture' in gubernatorial race
LANSING, Sept. 23, 2010 - Michigan Farm Bureau's political action committee, AgriPac, has chosen to endorse Rick Snyder as a "Friend of Agriculture" in his bid to become the next governor of Michigan. The endorsement was announced this afternoon at a press conference held at Zeeland Farm Services in Zeeland, where Snyder accepted the endorsement and outlined his plan for building on the state's agricultural strengths to reform and revitalize Michigan.
"Rick Snyder walks on common ground with Michigan's agricultural community. He's passionate about agriculture's role in Michigan's economic recovery and diligent about reforming government and revitalizing our state. Rick Snyder will be the reformer and voice for agriculture that Farm Bureau families demand from our next governor," said Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) President Wayne H. Wood.
AgriPac is the non-partisan political action committee of MFB, the state's largest general farm organization representing more than 48,000 farm families across the state and encompassing nearly a half-million voters. Friends of Agriculture represent qualified candidates who have demonstrated basic beliefs and/or actions consistent with farmer-developed MFB policy.
In choosing to endorse Snyder, AgriPac reviewed candidate questionnaires, personal interviews, and recommendations from county Farm Bureaus, placing a high emphasis on the local recommendations of county Farm Bureau-appointed candidate evaluation committees. AgriPac also reviewed candidates' positions on key issues, including many addressed in MFB's Common Sense Solutions to Fix Michigan initiative, such as state spending on corrections, human services and education.
County Farm Bureau candidate evaluation committees were particularly impressed with Snyder's appreciation of Michigan's land-based industries and his pledge to foster a favorable business climate.
"Rick Snyder is keenly aware of the intricacies involved in balancing Michigan's economic, environmental and social needs, and he has demonstrated that he is more interested in striking a delicate balance between these interests rather than creating winners and losers," said Wood.
Above and beyond this, many of the objectives in Snyder's agricultural plan fall in line with MFB member-developed policy including his:
Recognition of the efficiencies, cooperative nature, successes, and taxpayer return on investment of the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), and his firm stance that MDA should remain a stand-alone state agency.
Understanding of how overly bureaucratic, excessive and constantly changing regulations hinder Michigan's business growth, and his strong belief in providing Michigan citizens with regulatory certainty and regulations that are based on sound science, not driven by political agendas.
Desire to expand markets for Michigan agricultural products domestically and abroad as part of efforts to supply consumers with locally grown and locally processed food and create new job and economic opportunities for the state.
Interest in expanding proactive environmental stewardship programs, including the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, and creating a climate centered less on fines and penalties and more on helping individuals comply with rules and regulations.
In addition, Snyder has been accessible and has sought input from the agricultural community throughout his campaign, said Wood.
Find more information online about AgriPac and MFB's Common Sense Solutions to Fix Michigan initiative.
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Contacts:
Sarah Black, AgriPac Secretary & Public Policy and Commodity Division Director, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2040
Matt Kapp, Land Use and Elections Specialist, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2027
Jill Corrin, Media Relations Manager, (517) 323-6585
Photos are available at http://www.michfb.com/agrinotes/index/160
