Proposed Policy

Local Resolutions

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Health Department rules and requirements for septic tank and drain field permits appear to vary substantially from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.  The results of said variance can and does directly impact the property owner by increasing cost and utilizing unnecessary resources.  We urge the implementation of standard requirements for utilization throughout an entire county or group of counties.  Little discretion should be left to the local inspection authority.

ZONING ORDINANCES

Garfield Township has a lengthy zoning ordinance which has been in effect for several years.  However the ordinance does not adequately protect local business from a non-resident vendor, who may set up a temporary stand and sell anything they choose.  This is not a complicated process and would not include vendors such as Schwans, who operate on regular route.  Nor would it preclude outside vendors invited to participate in organized evens such as Heritage Days or other special events.  We understand this does not happen frequently, but it should not be allowed to occur even once.  We therefore urge the township board and planning commission to develop appropriate guidelines, fees, enforcement, etc., to protect local business interests.

State Resolutions

REMOVAL OF DEAD ANIMALS (over 20 pounds) FROM HIGHWAYS

We would like the state legislature to address the issue of who is responsible for removing dead animals weighing over 20 pounds, from the roadways.  Either MDOT employees or the DNRE now charges fee's to hunt many of these wild animals, so why can't someone be in charge of removing wild dead animals from the roadways..

STATE FIRE LANE ROADS ON STATE LAND

We encourage MFB to work with the DNR to improve fire lane roads on state land. Many people enjoy traveling these roads for berry picking, camping, fishing and for picnicking during summer weather.

ANIMAL CARE, POLICY

Animal care continues to be a major concern for agriculture. Accordingly, we reaffirm current MFB policy #7. Furthermore, we urge MFB to continue providing leadership and involvement in passing the current legislation to make Michigan a model example for animal care.

UP STATE LEGISLATORS

To our UP Representatives in their first year in office, for making their voices heard in Lansing.  You have done a great job this first year for the UP of Michigan and hope you will continue in your years ahead.  To our UP State Senators, we have heard good things from you this first year and hope it will continue in years to come.  A big thank you to our new representatives and senators on jobs well done.

THE RIGHT TO PROCESS ACT

The food processing industry in Michigan is a $25 billion dollar industry, or almost a third of the total agricultural production approaching $72 billion.  It employs more than 134,000 people and is growing almost 4% per year.  The industry is allegedly protected by the "Right to Process Act".  This Act is similar to the Right to Farm Act.  However there are substantial differences.  The "Right to Process Act" has no established, generally accepted practices, and has received little support or attention since its passage.  Therefore we urge MFB to take a leadership role and work with industry and government to develop these practices and standards.  Likewise, MFB is urged to work with our legislators to amend the Act to cover attorney fee's and expenses for food processors who prevail against nuisance complaints.  The food processing industry is very diverse and the task will be difficult, but the end result will retain and grow our food processing industry

INTERNATIONAL TRADE CROSSING CANADA

Canada is Michigan's leading trade partner and transportation to and from Canada is vital to accommodate the agricultural industry.  Therefore, the new proposed bridge across the Detroit River is vitally important to agriculture for several reasons:

1. The bridge would be designed with an interstate to interstate connection, no maze of city traffic or stop lights.

2. The cost to Michigan tax payers is minimal.  The Canadian government has agreed to fund the project ($550 million).  Canada will get its investment back via tolls.  No obligation exists to repay through tax dollars.

3. This approach allows Michigan to use the money as collateral to leverage about $2.2 billion from the Federal government in US road funds which can be used on state roadways.

4. The project could create about 10,000 jobs in construction and over 30,000 jobs for the operations and supporting infrastructure use.

Therefore, we urge MFB to support this concept and provide leadership as the project unfolds.

CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE'S

The DNR created two regional Citizen Advisory Councils in the UP approximately 2 ½ years ago.  The purpose of the councils is to assist the DNR in being more responsive to the citizens of each region.  The councils will advise the DNR on operating in a more efficient and effective manner within the constraints of state and federal laws, DNR Commission rules, DNR policies, and other legal documents.  The council have both proven to be very effective, with many recommendations given on a broad spectrum of issues.  More importantly, they have provided a most needed forum for the public to express their concern, questions or suggestions.  Accordingly, we suggest MFB pursue and promote this concept with the DNR to create similar advisory councils in the lower peninsula.

WATER AVAILABILITY

We all know that water is a very precious resource, particularly within the states that surround the Great Lakes and western states that need huge amounts of water for irrigation.  Some statistics note that nearly 1 billion people world wide lack access to safe water.  As farmers we are expected to produce food often for the world.  We need a reliable and reliable source of water at all times. Therefore, we urge Michigan and the American Farm Bureau to constantly monitor any proposed legislation on control, suggested by EPA or other governmental agencies

FARM LABOR - YOUTH

Current proposals by the Department of Labor (DOL) would virtually eliminate any youth employment on our farms.  The proposals would further eliminate existing farming programs offered by 4-H, FFA and Extension.  What better place to learn work habits and understand the need for safety than the family farm.  Comments to the DOL must be submitted by November 1, 2011.  However, we urge Farm Bureau to carefully monitor these proposals, and protect our ability to allow our youth the opportunity to work on the farm.

National Resolutions

WOLF MANAGEMENT

wolf management continues to be a long standing problem for agriculture in the UP.  Economic losses for farmers are increasing, as the wolf population increases.  Two bills with many co-sponsors have been introduced in both the House and Senate.  These bills would completely remove the wolf from the Endangered Species Act, and allow states to implement their own management plans.  We urge American Farm Bureau to provide leadership to promote this legislation and achieve passage.

NR 6 ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES and

S 54 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

We agree with most of the current policy on wildlife management.  However, we do not support a statewide ban on feeding and hunting of deer.  Likewise, we do not support the starting of the Fire Arm Deer Season on the second Saturday in November.  This season has traditionally started November 15th and this starting date should continue.  The policy on deer management should include MFB support for regional deer management.  The DNR has created regional deer management advisory groups to better manage deer on a more local level within regions.  MFB would be well advised to participate on these advisory groups.

SANDHILL CRANES: MFB Policy should be expanded on this species.  The population is huge and crop damage has increased at an alarming rate.  We therefor urge MFB to partner with other stakeholder groups, including the DNR, to promote a Michigan hunting season with the US Fish and Wildlife Service

THREE PERCENT WITHHOLDING TAX

This tax was enacted in 2006 and would reduce federal payments for goods and services, including many USDA payments that farmers and ranchers receive.  The proposed tax takes effect in 2013.  We urge American Farm Bureau to continue its congressional support to repeal the act in its entirety.  It has been continually delayed since 2006 and is certainly a detriment to small business and job creation.