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Proposed Policy
Local Resolutions
Farmland and Open Space Preservation
In 2002 the Macomb County Board of Commissioners adopted 28 policy recommendations to help preserve farmland and open space in Macomb County. In partnership with other organizations, agencies and businesses the recommendations focused upon business planning, smart growth tools, education of the non-farming community, assistance to municipalities and lobbying efforts.
RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that the Macomb County Farm Bureau continues to support the policy recommendations of the Board of Commissioners and urges board members to review and update the recommendations with input from the PDR committee. Adopted
Signage for Direct Farm Marketers
Economic development in Macomb County has become more dependent upon small business and, for many agricultural producers, this is taking the form of direct marketing locally produced agricultural products to the public. The Tourist Oriented Directional Sign (TODS) program provides directional signs to eligible tourist attractions located off the state rural roadway system. The program is administered by Michigan Logos, Inc. under MDOT supervision. The programs have been a benefit to local tourist-related businesses at a reasonable cost. However, these signs are limited to rural state non-freeways outside of incorporated cities or villages. They are not to be located at interchanges on expressways or freeways.
RESOLUTION: The Macomb County Farm Bureau recommends that the Macomb County Road Commission partner with state agencies to enable affordable signage on county roads that directs tourists to local greenhouses, farm markets and other local tourist attractions. Adopted
Migrant Housing
RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that local units of government appreciate the need which farmers may have for migrant housing units in order to maintain a viable business operation. Adopted
Unlawful Trespassing Due to Residential Development
As the growth and development of Macomb County increases in the rural areas, the impact on adjacent agricultural operations also increases. The added risk of trespassing, crop damage and liability exposure places an undue hardship on these agricultural operations.
RESOLUTION: The Macomb County Farm Bureau resolves that when a residential development is proposed bordering on agricultural operations, a fence or barrier must be created at the developer's expense before construction commences. Adopted
Municipal Definitions of Farming
For a variety of reasons, local municipalities frequently need to determine what is and is not an agricultural operation and/or an accepted agricultural practice. Direct marketing, farm markets, agritourism and value-added enterprises are increasingly significant methods for maintaining agricultural profitability. These enterprises are recognized and acknowledged by the Michigan Department of Agriculture as regards land enrolled in PA116, The Purchase of Development Rights Program and the Right to Farm GAAMPS. Local municipalities, however, may bring them into question.
Farm Bureau members recommend that authority to determine what is an agricultural practice be vested in the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Adopted
Support for MSU Extension
Since it's beginning, Michigan State University Extension has focused on bringing knowledge-based educational programs to the people of the state to improve their lives and communities. In Macomb County, staff members, in concert with on-campus faculty members, have, for over 90 years, served residents with educational programming focused on agriculture and natural resources; children, youth and families; and community and economic development. Funding partners include the Federal Government, The State of Michigan, Macomb County Government and nearly 1/3 of programs funded by grants and contracts. In addition, MSU Extension collaborative efforts bring state and Federal grants to Macomb county agriculture and food businesses.
RESOLUTION:
Be it resolved that Macomb County Farm Bureau encourages the Macomb County Board of Commissioners to maintain their support of MSU Extension so that they may continue to use research-based knowledge to address issues and opportunities for Macomb County's natural resources, farms and other businesses, communities, families and young people. Adopted
Encouraging the Use of Pervious Surfaces
Current local ordinances and regulations may require the use of impervious surfaces such as concrete or asphalt in such areas as roadways, parking lots and driveways. Where large areas of impervious surfaces are present, runoff and associated problems exist. Vegetative techniques such as grass swales, buffers, green roofs and porous landscape detention areas are attractive but have limited use in a highly impervious environment. Permeable surfaces such as aggregate, permeable pavers and porous pavement are techniques that can reduce storm water runoff volume, restore permeability and infiltration and provide water detention capacity in urbanized areas.
RESOLUTION
The Macomb County Farm Bureau encourages municipalities to consider the use of pervious surfaces on roads, streets, parking lots, driveways, and other areas. Adopted
State Resolutions
Participation in Farmland Preservation Program
The Michigan Agricultural Farmland Preservation Fund Board (The Ag Fund Board) was established to preserve farmland by providing grants to local units of government for purchasing the development rights from landowners. Applications for the program are taken and scored at the local and state level based upon characteristics of the land and its location. Land that is accepted into this highly competitive program is enrolled for perpetuity regardless of ownership.
Currently, the Ag Fund Board has a "conflict of interest" policy that denies participation to a person if they or a family member serves the public at any level of government, or if they are a member of the local PDR committee or its partner agencies.
RESOLUTION: Farm Bureau is of the opinion that participation in the PDR program should not be denied to those who serve their communities in public bodies, or whose family members are similarly active in their communities. Such a policy will limit the number of applications to the program and/or those willing to serve the public. This will result in the removal of appropriate parcels of land from consideration. We propose another approach to the conflict of interest issue as follows; an applicant who fits the above description will abstain from participating if and when their application comes before the public body upon which they serve. Adopted
Youth Operating Farm Vehicles
The US Department of Transportation restricts youth under the age of 21 from driving commercial trucks and do not have a exception for farm vehicles. While the Michigan Department of transportation regulations do not include these restrictions it has become necessary for the State of Michigan to take steps to come more in line with the federal regulations. This might have a negative impact on the local and distance movement of agricultural product.
Be it resolved that the State of Michigan allow farm family members 16-21 years of age to operate trucks to a maximum of 26000 Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) Adopted
Support for MSU Product Center
The MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) was established in Spring, 2003 with funds from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and Michigan State University Extension to improve economic opportunities in the Michigan agriculture, food and natural resource sectors. The Product Center can help people develop and commercialize high value, consumer-responsive products and businesses in the agriculture and natural resource sectors. For established businesses as well as newcomers the Center is the key to the front door of MSU's vast and varied technical expertise, research, outreach, and educational services. The center operates in part through a network of Innovation counselors in Extension and other agencies and does not engage in any advocacy on behalf of particular methods or scales of production, forms or types of products or services, or any special characteristics or traits of a venture to the exclusion of others.
Be it resolved that Farm Bureau members continue to support the MSU Product Center in working with Macomb County producers and that we encourage the use of business planning to support the development of new enterprises. Adopted
Farmland and Open Space Preservation
In many areas of Michigan the development value of farmland and open space is high, and profitability, land use conflicts and other factors are necessitating the use of measures to ensure the preservation of farmland and open space. The State of Michigan has created the Agricultural Preservation Fund, which requires local units of government to adopt a PDR ordinance in order to receive grants from the fund. However, the fund has limited resources to purchase farmland and open space conservation easements and other sources of funding as well as other tools are necessary.
RESOLUTION: The Macomb County Farm Bureau supports the concepts of Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), Agricultural Security Areas (ASA) as well as Purchase of Development Rights (PDR). Funding of Michigan's Agricultural Preservation Fund is derived from the repayment of tax credits when PA 116 contracts are terminated. We support the development of other funding resources.
We further recommend that conversion fees shall be between 3-5% of the sales price, that the buyer shall pay them and that they shall not penalize the seller. Adopted
Equine Zoning
RESOLUTION: We encourage all units of government to continue to classify established equine operations as agricultural for all zoning and tax purposes. Adopted
Weight Laws
Agriculture is dependent on a sound transportation system to move materials to and from farms to market. We are especially concerned about deteriorating roads and bridges in rural Michigan.
The current Michigan weight laws for heavy trucks allow loads greater than 160,000 lbs. No other state allows loads of this magnitude without permits.
RESOLUTION: We support the lowering of Michigan weight laws for trucks to that of surrounding states. Adopted
Revitalizing Older Cities
Many of Michigan's older cities are losing populations and businesses due to decay and abandonment of homes and businesses. This exodus is contributing to urban sprawl, loss of farmland and open space and the waste of roads and other infrastructures already established in these urban centers,
RESOLUTION: We support the revitalization of older cities and suburbs in order to retain existing populations and attract new residents and businesses. We further support legislative efforts to hasten the development of abandoned sites and Brownfields. Adopted
Agricultural Drainage
Michigan Farmland is enhanced by adequate and well-managed drainage systems. Over half of Michigan Farmland requires drainage to produce quality crops.
RESOLUTION: The Macomb County Farm Bureau encourages a revision of the Michigan Drain Code such that it clearly defines the responsibilities of local drain commissions. As one of these responsibilities we recommend that, before development permits are allowed, a detailed drainage plan be submitted to the drainage officials to demonstrate that drainage of adjacent land will not be adversely impacted. If this cannot be demonstrated, drain improvements must be made prior to building permit issuance. Adopted
Agri-tourism
RESOLUTION: The Macomb County Farm Bureau supports public policy that defines farming in a manner that includes both production and marketing and suggests that a marketing GAAMP (Generally Accepted Agriculture Management Practice) be written to provide guidelines for agricultural tourism or entertainment farming. When an established agricultural business offers farm related entertainment or products to attract customers for retail sales, this "value-added" enterprise should not constrain or redefine that farming operation. We further urge communities throughout the state to support producers who seek to add value to their products by direct marketing, entertainment or food processing.
Adopted
Tax on single purpose agricultural structures
RESOLUTION: The Macomb County Farm Bureau resolves that single purpose agricultural structures such as silos, grain bins and greenhouses should be treated as agricultural production tools and not be subject to personal or real property taxes, as referenced in the State of Michigan Revenue Administrative Bulletin 2002-15. Adopted
More Options to Michigan's PA 116 Program
Michigan farming can benefit with more options to Michigan's PA 116 program.
RESOLUTION: We support development of legislation that voluntarily allows land owners to enroll in a program that assesses farm buildings' at half their current taxable value and farmland, including managed wood lots, at a maximum property tax rate of $5.00 per acre. The rates would be assessed in exchange for temporary preservation of farmland for a contract period of 20 years. A recapture penalty for early withdrawal would be assessed for benefits received plus interest. Adopted
Michigan Program Funding
Michigan lawmakers are looking for new ways of funding programs in a tight economy. The new way of implementing fees can and will put an undue burden on Michigan producers in the market place and may put some out of business. The fees in licensing, permits, etc may not even reflect the true amount of service reserved for Michigan farmers and businesses for those fees.
RESOLUTION: Macomb County Farm Bureau doesn't support fees that do not reflect actual services to Michigan farmers or that will put them at a severe disadvantage in the market place. We believe most of the program support should still come from the general fund. Adopted
School Zone Safety
Drivers may not have sufficient warning of reduced speed in school zones on primary roads (those that have speed zones of 30 mph or more)
RESOLUTION: A yellow flashing light near reduced speed zones during school hours will give drivers notice and help protect school children. Adopted
Estate Taxes
As the state faces revenue shortfalls Farm Bureau members have a concern that the state may opt to reinstate the estate or death tax.
RESOLUTION: Farm Bureau members oppose efforts to impose estate taxes. Such taxes are damaging to the continued viability of small business including family farms and impose taxes on income that has already been taxed. Adopted
Farm Plate Law
As farm suppliers and markets become fewer and farther between, distances that farmers must travel for supplies, services and markets have increased substantially. Currently state law limits the travel distance for vehicles with farm plates to 150 miles from the registered address. This distance is no longer a realistic limit in many instances.
RESOLUTION: Farm Bureau members support a change in the farm plate law such that the distance limitation is 250-350 miles. Adopted
State of Michigan Definition of Farming
There are a number of departments, divisions and agencies of the state government that have regulatory authority over agricultural operations. Unfortunately there are also various characterizations of what constitutes a "farming operation" and this can lead to confusion and difficulty in compliance.
Be it resolved that one inclusive definition of agriculture or farming be adopted for use in state regulatory functions and that this be modeled after the Michigan Department of Agriculture definition which currently exists. Adopted
Invasive Species
Macomb County supports the efforts to establish the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) as the state agency with responsibility for all terrestrial invasive species activities and potentials. Adopted
Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002 and is established in Michigan as well as in Windsor, Ontario, was found in Ohio in 2003, northern Indiana in 2004, northern Illinois and Maryland in 2006, western Pennsylvania west Virginia and West Virginia in 2007. EAB has killed more than 40 million ash trees in southeastern Michigan alone, with tens of millions more lost in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia.
While research is ongoing, Federal dollars have shifted to eradication efforts in other states. However there are actions that individuals, businesses and municipalities can take to mitigate the current situation in Michigan
RESOLUTION:
Be it resolved that Farm Bureau supports research being conducted at universities to gain an understanding of the life cycle of the beetle and explore ways to detect new infestations, control EAB adults and larvae, and, develop varieties resistant to EAB.
We recommend that farm bureau members direct their customers, neighbors and associates to follow recommendations that include not moving firewood, understanding treatment options and, if ash trees die and are removed, replanting with a diversity of species and disposing of, or recovering the wood for practical uses. Adopted
The Bioeconomy and Alternative Energy Sources
The terms "bioeconomy" and "biobased economy" describe a future in which people rely more on renewable resources to meet society's needs for energy, chemicals and raw materials. Instead of an economy dependent on the planet's limited supply of nonrenewable resources such as petroleum and coal, we would convert plant material and municipal and livestock waste—biomass—into electricity, fuels, plastics and the basic components of chemical processes. In a bioeconomy, we can replace energy and materials as fast as we use them. Today we can't.
The bioeconomy is particularly important for Michigan because of the state's economic situation. The state also has the prerequisites in place for a vibrant bioeconomy: an abundance of raw materials such as wood and crops that could be used as biomass. The state's natural resources could support the growth of dedicated biomass crops. There are strengths in plant breeding and raw material processing at MSU and at other universities. There are firms such as the automotive and furniture industries that want to incorporate more biobased materials into their products. Michigan has a skilled labor force. And the state is strategically located near tens of millions of consumers. (Excerpts from MSU Office of Bio-Based Technologies)
RESOLUTION:
Be it resolved that the Macomb County Farm Bureau supports continued research and development of all aspects of bio-based technologies including small and on-farm technologies. We further encourage and support hydrogen cell technology, wind and solar power, nuclear energy and other viable energy resources. We urge local and state government to support the infrastructure needed to make these technologies viable, including net metering, a consumer-based renewal energy incentive. Adopted
Farm Bureau Definition of Farming
Michigan Farm Bureau is a family of companies that offer services to farming members. However, the definition of farming and agriculture is continually changing as producers seek to maintain profitability by redeveloping traditional endeavors and adding unique, innovative and marketable ones. In order for the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies to adequately serve their members it has become necessary that a common characterization of farming be developed.
RESOLUTION:
Be it resolved that the 2009 Michigan Farm Bureau Policy Book will serve as the resource from which a current definition of farming and farm activities will be derived. Enterprises that are referenced in these policies will be reviewed by a committee representing Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies, and traditional as well as non-traditional farms. They will arrive at a common characterization of farming to be used in membership matters. Adopted
National Resolutions
Agricultural Energy Use
In 2002 farm production used 1.7 percent of total energy consumed in the United States. This included the direct consumption of energy sources such as electricity, diesel fuel, gasoline, natural gas and liquid petroleum gas used in planting, tillage, harvesting, drying, transportation, irrigation, climate control and others. Commercial fertilizers and pesticides can also use large amounts of energy in their production. There are periods of time when energy usage on the farm is time-critical, such as greenhouse heating, irrigation, livestock housing ventilation, production, cooling and grading etc. Energy interruption during these activities can cause significant loss of agricultural products.
The amount of energy used in US farm production could be reduced with the use of energy efficient techniques that might require some capitol investment.
RESOLUTION: We recommend the following measures to protect farms from short-term interruptions due to high-energy use and to reduce on-farm energy consumption:
· Tax incentives for energy conservation methods and technology
· The development of data needed to help evaluate energy use and develop energy-saving strategies for livestock facilities, dairies, nurseries and greenhouses
· Farm Bureau members should be willing to enter into research projects with MSU when possible to test new energy saving technologies. Adopted
Pest Management in the Greenhouse and Nursery Industry
The greenhouse and nursery industry depends upon propagated material purchased from many geographic areas, both domestic and non-domestic. Propagated material that is infected with disease can cause serious losses to the industry, particularly if there is concern about biosecurity or if the pathogen has a wide host range, such as Ralstonia solanacearum.
Be it resolved that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) focus regulatory attention on propagation and rooting facilities and oversee testing to avert losses that may occur as a result of shipping infested or infected plant material. Adopted
Security for Plant Agriculture
Acts of terrorism have heightened our awareness of the need for security, both at home and on the farm. Producers need to be aware of security practices and be prepared to respond when suspicions arise.
Be it resolved that Farm Bureau members will implement security measures when needed, monitor for suspicious activity and respond to unusual crop symptoms, suspected chemical
contamination and unauthorized activity by contacting appropriate authorities. Adopted
Biotechnology
RESOLUTION: We support the development and adoption of those biotechnology products and processes that provide economic and environmental benefits, improve productivity and assure consumer safety. We urge the development of a positive national strategy for biotechnology research and strong patent support to encourage these new technologies.
We do not, however, favor genetic manipulation of agricultural commodities when it is not contributive to the sustainability of farming in either developed or developing nations. When food products, which utilize biotechnology, have been proven safe, we support swift dissemination of accurate information to consumers concerning said products. We do not support labeling requirements, which might foster misgivings with respect to the safety of these products. Adopted
Industrial Hemp Production
Fiber products such as jewelry, garments and handbags produced from hemp are becoming a popular commodity. Canadian growers have received approval to produce the crop on a limited basis.
RESOLUTION: We support efforts to legalize and promote the production of hemp and development of processing facilities in the USA as a sound rotational crop with an emerging market. Adopted
Health Care
RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that we oppose any form of comprehensive government health insurance system which would replace the combination of public and private services that now exists. Adopted
Farmland Easement Donation
The fact that a farmer's land is a major retirement resource is a deterrent to the enrollment of such land into the PDR program. Augmented tax credits would provide a further incentive for a landowner to consider this option.
RESOLUTION: When a landowner is entering into a Purchase of Development Rights agreement with a governmental or non-profit organization, the value of any easement donation by the landowner will be matched by a tax credit for a charitable donation from the Federal Government to the landowner. Adopted
Federal Definition of Farming
There are a number of departments, divisions and agencies of the Federal Government that have regulatory authority over agricultural operations. Unfortunately there are also various characterizations of what constitutes a "farming operation" and this can lead to confusion and difficulty in compliance.
Be it resolved that one inclusive definition of agriculture or farming be adopted for federal regulatory functions and that this be modeled after the USDA definition which currently exists.
Adopted
Horse Slaughter
House Bill 6598, Entitled Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2008, prohibits conduct relating to the use of horses for human consumption. The legislation calls for a ban on the possession, transport, purchase, sale, delivery or receiving of a horse or carcass, if it might be intended for human consumption. This places an economic and practical burden on horse owners who possess old, unwanted or otherwise unusable animals. Many thousands of unwanted horses will need to be cared for annually and will bring no salvage value to owners. The processing of unwanted horses is a necessary end-of-life option and may be kinder than substandard care which many may receive.
RESOLUTION
Be it resolved that Macomb County Farm Bureau opposes legislation which prohibits horse slaughter in the absence of addressing the issues which will arise as a result of such a measure.
Adopted
Climate Change
Carbon dioxide is an indispensable plant nutrient required to sustain all life on earth. The EPA is currently drafting rules that would regulate CO2 emissions on everything from large farm machinery to small gas engines.
RESOLUTION
Be it resolved that the Macomb County Farm Bureau opposes any regulation of CO2 under the Clean Air Act without conclusive scientific evidence indicating that human activities are contributing to climate change. Furthermore, we oppose any carbon based cap and trade system that might be implemented to regulate CO2 emmissions. Adopted
