Agriculture anticipates promising future with Snyder at helm

MFB congratulates AgriPac-endorsed candidate on gubernatorial victory

LANSING, Nov. 2, 2010 - Today's election of Rick Snyder as Michigan's next governor sets the stage for long overdue government reform and a positive climate where Michigan's $71.3 billion agriculture industry- the state's second largest industry-can flourish and create new jobs and economic opportunities for residents, said the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB), the state's largest general farm organization.

"Michigan Farm Bureau's grassroots political action committee, AgriPac, took pride in endorsing Rick Snyder as a Friend of Agriculture in the election and it's our pleasure to congratulate him now on his triumphant win which was made possible, in part, by the support of thousands of farmers from across the state. Rick Snyder is the reformer and voice for agriculture that Michigan needs and voters demanded," said MFB President Wayne H. Wood.

"Throughout his campaign, Rick Snyder has been accessible and has sought input from the agricultural community," said Wood. "We look forward to continuing this open dialogue and working with Rick and his administration in drawing on the state's agricultural strengths to implement Rick's plan for reinventing and revitalizing Michigan."

In choosing to endorse Snyder, AgriPac cited Snyder's plan for growing Michigan agriculture, as many of his objectives fall in line with MFB member-developed policy, including Snyder's:

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.

"Just recently, the Michigan State University Product Center released a report which shows that Michigan's food processing industry generates nearly $25 billion in overall economic activity and employs nearly 134,000 people. Rick Snyder recognizes the tremendous value of food processing and Michigan's other agricultural sectors and land-based industries, and he'll be a governor who effectively balances the state's economic, environmental and social needs without jeopardizing or unfairly choosing one over the other," said Wood.

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Media Contacts:
Sarah Black, AgriPac Secretary and MFB Public Policy and Commodity Division Director, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2040; or Matt Kapp, MFB Land Use and Elections Specialist, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2027