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2008 Policy Book
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The Michigan Ag Council, currently comprised of Michigan Farm Bureau, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, Michigan Pork Producers Association and Michigan Milk Producers Association, has taken the lead in developing a collaborative effort which promotes a positive image for agriculture and takes an assertive, proactive approach in telling the story of modern agriculture practices and advancements.
The efforts of the Michigan Ag Council are needed because if farmers do nothing, other groups will define who we are and what we do. Some animal rights and environmental groups are engaging in a misinformation campaign. This information often gets printed or broadcast by the media with very little scrutiny of factual accuracy. They are attempting to redefine what a farm is and distorting the environmental record of farmers.
Therefore, we would like to see the efforts of the Michigan Ag Council expanded and encourage MFB to cooperate on a national level with AFBF and other state Farm Bureaus, organizations and agricultural businesses to share expertise and reduce the cost of surveys and production of television, video, film, radio and print promotions that can be customized to a localized audience.
Funding for the Michigan Ag Council is critical and in order to be successful, it needs to come from a variety of sources focused on Michigan, including commodity groups, financial institutions, food processors and retailers. A broad mix of financing for this joint effort will not only allow the Council to do more positive education and promotion about agriculture, but it will multiply the ability to reach the consumer at all levels of the food system.
