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Proposed Policy

Local Resolutions

Realistic Well and Septic Codes

The Shiawassee County Point of Sale Ordinance that requires wells and septic systems be brought up to county codes before the property can be sold, is too restrictive. The current standards have a detrimental affect on the housing market in the county and affecting home owners' equity.

We commend the Shiawassee County Department of Environmental Health for their efforts to apply the ordinance in a reasonable manner in unusual circumstances.

Health Insurance Benefits for County Employees and Elected Officials

We believe that part time county employees and part time elected officials should all follow the same policy and pay prorated premiums for Health Insurance Benefits based on the amount of time worked.

Tire Collection

We commend the Shiawassee Health Department, Shiawassee Road Commission, Shiawassee County Building and Zoning, The Nature Conservancy and the Friends of the Shiawassee River for partnering in the August 22, 2008 Tire Collection in Owosso. We especially appreciate the free disposal of tires collected from the river during the Annual Shiawassee River Clean-up the same day.

Acquiring grants to support activities like the tire collection and the household chemicals collection minimizes consumer out-of-pocket environmental costs, engages volunteers, builds a sense of community, and enhances the quality of the Shiawassee River as a recreational resource.

We encourage the Shiawassee Health Department, Shiawassee Road Commission, Shiawassee County Building and Zoning, The Nature Conservancy and the Friends of the Shiawassee River to secure funds and commitments to continue an annual tire collection day.

Zoning Ordinance

We are concerned that the Shiawassee County Zoning Ordinance Act, that defines a bona fide farm or commercial agricultural operation as a parcel of land of 20 acres or more in size, violates the Right to Farm Act as interpreted by the Michigan Court of Appeals (Charter Township of Shelby vs. Vikki and Martin Papesh, docket # 259965, June 23,2005).

Therefore, we urge that the Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners and other entities within the county to remove the 20 acre minimum from the definition of a farm.

State Resolutions

Michigan Fairtax

There is legislation introduced in the Michigan House to change from the income tax to the FairTax. This would eliminate the Michigan Income Tax and increase the sales tax on goods and services, food and medicines among other changes. Agriculture has been successful in obtaining many concessions in the current tax structure which may disappear in the change to a new system.

Therefore, we oppose Michigan changing to a FairTax.

Uniform Well and Septic Codes

The housing industry and market extend beyond county lines. Well and septic standards are critical issues that should be uniformly addressed.

Therefore, we urge the State to adopt uniform health codes for wells and septic systems.

State Land Use

A unique feature of our Great Lake State is the many natural wild areas that we all enjoy. Economic and local political pressures have become a strong force in consideration to sell state owned lands.

Development of vacant state land for high intensity use causes a need for expensive infrastructures and contributes to urban sprawl. Development proposals should only be considered on vacant sites with existing or nearby utilities that fit the local land use plan.

Therefore, we oppose the sale of state owned wild lands for economic development which would contribute to urban sprawl and cause high traffic use of local roads.

Wildlife Management

Agriculture continues to be challenged by pressure from wildlife species that have become overpopulated and cause damage as well as carry disease.

In areas where hunters have been unable to reduce populations in accordance to DNR management goals, we support the following measures:

+ Replace the combo buck license with a combined antlerless/buck license at a discounted price.

+ Allow non-residents to purchase antlerless permits at the standard price when buying a buck license.

+ Lengthen the fall turkey season equal to the period established for hunting small game.

+ Allow hunters to take a state income tax credit (equal to the purchase price of 2 antlerless permits)

Grain Dealers Act

With the upward trend in grain prices we feel that the monies in the Michigan Grain Dealers Act would be insufficient to cover the potiential loss of an elevator bankruptcy.

Therefore, we urge that the $5 million cap on the Michigan grain Dealers Act be raised to adequately protect Michigan farmers.

Local Elections

Cities and villages can utilize nonpartisan elections to save money and to allow all people to vote for whom they feel is the best candidate.

We support allowing townships to hold nonpartisan elections for local offices.

Michigan Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPS)

The Michigan GAAMPs provide voluntary compliance to generally accepted agricultural management practices for private or public nuisance protection. While the GAAMPs review committees are well represented in each of their areas (Manure Management and Utilization, Pesticide Utilization and Pest Control, Nutrient Utilization, Care of Farm Animals, Cranberry Production, Site Selection and Odor Control for New and Expanding Livestock Production Facilities and Irrigation Water Use) by our land grant university, state government and some industry representation, there is a lack of producer representation. We recognize the open public comment procedure in the review process as essential, but believe more producers need to be seated on the actual GAAMPs review committees.

Therefore, we recommend the Michigan Commission of Agriculture appoint more producers to each of the review committees for the respective GAAMPs.

Directional Drilling of the Great Lakes

With current energy prices, increasing world-wide demand, and controlled foreign production, the US needs to increase domestic oil and natural gas production. We recognize increased domestic oil and natural gas production as one of many intertwined strategies to manage energy costs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil and not a stand-alone solution.

Currently there is an oil drilling ban in or on the Great Lakes in Michigan. We oppose platform drilling for oil in or on the Great Lakes. We are in favor of re-opening directional drilling if adequate funds are raised from the permitting process to fund strict enforcement of the permitted drilling activity and monitor compliance. (This assumes due diligence by MDEQ in citing the drilling sites.)

The Great Lakes are an irreplaceable natural resource! We cannot afford accidental discharges on the lands near, or waters of the Great Lakes or its tributaries. Directional natural gas and oil drilling should only be allowed to resume under a rigorous permitting process. Michigan DEQ's top priority for the revenue from the directional drilling permits and royalties must be strict policing and enforcement of directional drilling permit activities.

National Resolutions

Health Care

Most of our medical professionals are schooled in a chemical and surgical based form of treatment which is influenced by the pharmaceutical industry. This monopolistic control of our health care industry has increased the cost of health care and discouraged the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Herbal supplements and other Whole Medical Systems from around the world which have proven themselves effective in other societies, could be beneficial as they are added to the options available to people in our society. We are encouraged by the increasing number of Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathy, Chiropractors, Registered Nurses, and Dentists who are continuing their education in these CAM fields of health care and adding them to their health care practices.

Therefore, we encourage more medical professionals to continue their education in the fields of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and add them to their medical practices.

National Fairtax

There is a movement to change from the income tax to the FairTax. This would eliminate the IRS and the Federal Income Tax and increase the sales tax on goods and services, food and medicines among other changes. Agriculture has been successful in obtaining many concessions in the current tax structure which may disappear in the change to a new system.

Therefore, we oppose changing to a FairTax.

National Animal Identification System - Permanent Number

The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is designed to allow the tracking of an animal from birth to the dinner plate and back if a concern arises. Currently, the animal may receive a new carcass number after slaughter. This procedure increases the chances for error and may interrupt the traceability.

Therefore we urge that when the National Animal Identification System requires an individual animal ID system, such as electronic ear tags, that the original number stay with the animal and carcass all the way through the slaughter and processing system.

National Animal Identification System - Traceability

Food safety management is critical to the health and safety of the American people. Currently only Michigan has implemented the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). In the event of a public health problem, the origin of animal food products needs to be traced to its origin.

Therefore the NAIS, a way to trace any animal products from birth through processing to the retail level, needs to be implemented throughout the country to be effective.


	About Us :: Board of Directors :: Newsletter :: Annual Meeting :: Office Info :: Contact Us :: How Do I Join? You need to have the Adobe Flash Player installed to see this calendar. News Events Programs Member Services Photo Gallery Proposed Policy Young Farmer College Scholarship Meet the Agents Health Benefits Proposed Policy Local Resolutions Realistic Well and Septic Codes The Shiawassee County Point of Sale Ordinance that requires wells and septic systems be brought up to county codes before the property can be sold, is too restrictive. The current standards have a detrimental affect on the housing market in the county and affecting home owners' equity. We commend the Shiawassee County Department of Environmental Health for their efforts to apply the ordinance in a reasonable manner in unusual circumstances. Health Insurance Benefits for County Employees and Elected Officials We believe that part time county employees and part time elected officials should all follow the same policy and pay prorated premiums for Health Insurance Benefits based on the amount of time worked. Tire Collection We commend the Shiawassee Health Department, Shiawassee Road Commission, Shiawassee County Building and Zoning, The Nature Conservancy and the Friends of the Shiawassee River for partnering in the August 22, 2008 Tire Collection in Owosso. We especially appreciate the free disposal of tires collected from the river during the Annual Shiawassee River Clean-up the same day. Acquiring grants to support activities like the tire collection and the household chemicals collection minimizes consumer out-of-pocket environmental costs, engages volunteers, builds a sense of community, and enhances the quality of the Shiawassee River as a recreational resource. We encourage the Shiawassee Health Department, Shiawassee Road Commission, Shiawassee County Building and Zoning, The Nature Conservancy and the Friends of the Shiawassee River to secure funds and commitments to continue an annual tire collection day. Zoning Ordinance We are concerned that the Shiawassee County Zoning Ordinance Act, that defines a bona fide farm or commercial agricultural operation as a parcel of land of 20 acres or more in size, violates the Right to Farm Act as interpreted by the Michigan Court of Appeals (Charter Township of Shelby vs. Vikki and Martin Papesh, docket # 259965, June 23,2005). Therefore, we urge that the Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners and other entities within the county to remove the 20 acre minimum from the definition of a farm. State Resolutions Michigan Fairtax There is legislation introduced in the Michigan House to change from the income tax to the FairTax. This would eliminate the Michigan Income Tax and increase the sales tax on goods and services, food and medicines among other changes. Agriculture has been successful in obtaining many concessions in the current tax structure which may disappear in the change to a new system. Therefore, we oppose Michigan changing to a FairTax. Uniform Well and Septic Codes The housing industry and market extend beyond county lines. Well and septic standards are critical issues that should be uniformly addressed. Therefore, we urge the State to adopt uniform health codes for wells and septic systems. State Land Use A unique feature of our Great Lake State is the many natural wild areas that we all enjoy. Economic and local political pressures have become a strong force in consideration to sell state owned lands. Development of vacant state land for high intensity use causes a need for expensive infrastructures and contributes to urban sprawl. Development proposals should only be considered on vacant sites with existing or nearby utilities that fit the local land use plan. Therefore, we oppose the sale of state owned wild lands for economic development which would contribute to urban sprawl and cause high traffic use of local roads. Wildlife Management Agriculture continues to be challenged by pressure from wildlife species that have become overpopulated and cause damage as well as carry disease. In areas where hunters have been unable to reduce populations in accordance to DNR management goals, we support the following measures: + Replace the combo buck license with a combined antlerless/buck license at a discounted price. + Allow non-residents to purchase antlerless permits at the standard price when buying a buck license. + Lengthen the fall turkey season equal to the period established for hunting small game. + Allow hunters to take a state income tax credit (equal to the purchase price of 2 antlerless permits) Grain Dealers Act With the upward trend in grain prices we feel that the monies in the Michigan Grain Dealers Act would be insufficient to cover the potiential loss of an elevator bankruptcy. Therefore, we urge that the $5 million cap on the Michigan grain Dealers Act be raised to adequately protect Michigan farmers. Local Elections Cities and villages can utilize nonpartisan elections to save money and to allow all people to vote for whom they feel is the best candidate. We support allowing townships to hold nonpartisan elections for local offices. Michigan Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPS) The Michigan GAAMPs provide voluntary compliance to generally accepted agricultural management practices for private or public nuisance protection. While the GAAMPs review committees are well represented in each of their areas (Manure Management and Utilization, Pesticide Utilization and Pest Control, Nutrient Utilization, Care of Farm Animals, Cranberry Production, Site Selection and Odor Control for New and Expanding Livestock Production Facilities and Irrigation Water Use) by our land grant university, state government and some industry representation, there is a lack of producer representation. We recognize the open public comment procedure in the review process as essential, but believe more producers need to be seated on the actual GAAMPs review committees. Therefore, we recommend the Michigan Commission of Agriculture appoint more producers to each of the review committees for the respective GAAMPs. Directional Drilling of the Great Lakes With current energy prices, increasing world-wide demand, and controlled foreign production, the US needs to increase domestic oil and natural gas production. We recognize increased domestic oil and natural gas production as one of many intertwined strategies to manage energy costs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil and not a stand-alone solution. Currently there is an oil drilling ban in or on the Great Lakes in Michigan. We oppose platform drilling for oil in or on the Great Lakes. We are in favor of re-opening directional drilling if adequate funds are raised from the permitting process to fund strict enforcement of the permitted drilling activity and monitor compliance. (This assumes due diligence by MDEQ in citing the drilling sites.) The Great Lakes are an irreplaceable natural resource! We cannot afford accidental discharges on the lands near, or waters of the Great Lakes or its tributaries. Directional natural gas and oil drilling should only be allowed to resume under a rigorous permitting process. Michigan DEQ's top priority for the revenue from the directional drilling permits and royalties must be strict policing and enforcement of directional drilling permit activities. National Resolutions Health Care Most of our medical professionals are schooled in a chemical and surgical based form of treatment which is influenced by the pharmaceutical industry. This monopolistic control of our health care industry has increased the cost of health care and discouraged the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Herbal supplements and other Whole Medical Systems from around the world which have proven themselves effective in other societies, could be beneficial as they are added to the options available to people in our society. We are encouraged by the increasing number of Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathy, Chiropractors, Registered Nurses, and Dentists who are continuing their education in these CAM fields of health care and adding them to their health care practices. Therefore, we encourage more medical professionals to continue their education in the fields of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and add them to their medical practices. National Fairtax There is a movement to change from the income tax to the FairTax. This would eliminate the IRS and the Federal Income Tax and increase the sales tax on goods and services, food and medicines among other changes. Agriculture has been successful in obtaining many concessions in the current tax structure which may disappear in the change to a new system. Therefore, we oppose changing to a FairTax. National Animal Identification System - Permanent Number The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is designed to allow the tracking of an animal from birth to the dinner plate and back if a concern arises. Currently, the animal may receive a new carcass number after slaughter. This procedure increases the chances for error and may interrupt the traceability. Therefore we urge that when the National Animal Identification System requires an individual animal ID system, such as electronic ear tags, that the original number stay with the animal and carcass all the way through the slaughter and processing system. National Animal Identification System - Traceability Food safety management is critical to the health and safety of the American people. Currently only Michigan has implemented the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). In the event of a public health problem, the origin of animal food products needs to be traced to its origin. Therefore the NAIS, a way to trace any animal products from birth through processing to the retail level, needs to be implemented throughout the country to be effective. Copyrights, Disclosures & Disclaimers