Delegates set to weigh in on MFB policy priorities at 2025 annual

Michigan Farm Bureau’s member-led State Policy Development (PD) Committee recently completed its review of more than 500 policy recommendations submitted by 63 county Farm Bureaus and various advisory committees. Next, more than 400 delegates representing all 65 county Farm Bureaus at MFB’s 2025 State Annual Meeting will refine and approve those policies and positions to guide the organization’s work next year.

MFB Vice President and District 3 Director Mike Fusilier, who also chairs the State Policy Development Committee, emphasized the significance and uniqueness of this grassroots process as the committee began its work in early October.

“This process is the lifeblood of our organization — our grass roots are what make us strong,” Fusilier said. “Our process can take a little more time than other organizations invest, but in the end it’s far more powerful.”

MFB President Ben LaCross also addressed the group, setting the tone for the discussions that will take place next month on the delegate floor.

“You’re here because you’re the best of the best,” LaCross said. “You might not be experts on every issue, but you know how to build consensus, have a debate and do the hard work. We may not always agree on everything, but once the vote is taken and the policies are set, we’re unified. That’s our strength as an organization.”

Proposed amendments

The resolutions book contains all the proposed state-level policy amendments and national policy recommendations members will consider at the annual meeting. Delegates will have an opportunity to pose questions about proposed changes or the policy development process during district meetings held before and during the annual meeting.

Below is a selection of noteworthy amendments.

Environmental policies reorganized for clarity, effectiveness

It’s no secret MFB has extensive policy addressing environmental issues. This year the committee proposes reorganizing existing policies and incorporating new language from county Farm Bureaus to make them clearer and more effective.

Lenawee County’s Blaine Baker, District 2 representative on the committee, summarized the proposed changes:

“The Water Use in the Great Lakes Basin policy was divided into two: One focusing on farmers’ water withdrawal needs and the Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool, another emphasizing broader water-use priorities and research to benefit agriculture and natural resources.

“Similarly, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy policy was split to maintain EGLE permitting priorities while adding a new policy addressing broader environmental regulations. The new Environmental Regulation and Protection policy will also include septic system statements.

“We’re recommending updates to the Nonpoint Source Pollution and Watershed Management policy to reflect farmers’ water-quality efforts and call for an updated Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan. New policies on Environmental Contaminants and conservation programs will help ensure farmers’ voices are heard as Michigan addresses issues like PFAS, microplastics and emerging conservation trends.”

Land use and natural resources amendments strengthen long-standing policies

• In MFB Policy #70 Agricultural Drainage, language supports “exploring strategies for a major investment into our county drain system, such as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, a dedicated statewide fund, or other new revenue sources that lower the burden on landowners.”
• The committee recommends an addition to MFB Policy #75 Farmland Protection to support “permanent conservation easements for land preservation and those working in conjunction with PA 116 tax credits.”
• Proposed language in MFB Policy #92 Taxation calls for offering financial incentives to retiring property owners who transition farmland to the next generation of farmers.
• New language in MFB Policy #90 Wildlife Management supports consideration of a task force or advisory committee focused on wildlife management.

Amendments supporting government transparency and accountability

• In MFB Policy #60 Elections, the committee added language opposing both the idea of convening a constitutional convention and the implementation of ranked-choice voting.
• Within MFB Policy #68 Streamlining Michigan Government, new language recommends that the state legislature, governor and lieutenant governor be subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
• In MFB Policy #78 Land Acquisitions for Public Projects, an addition supports maintaining the state constitution’s current prohibition of eminent domain for private ownership.

AFBF policies advance farmer-driven solutions

The committee also developed several recommendations for consideration at the national level. If approved, these amendments will be presented by MFB board members at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in January.

• In AFBF Policy #240 Sustainable Agriculture, the committee proposes refining the definition of regenerative agriculture to emphasize reducing negative environmental impacts, enhancing soil quality and stabilizing production against adverse weather.
• Within AFBF Policy #462 Role of USDA, proposed language asks that NRCS should “pay farmers money obligated for farm bill conservation practices within 30 days of approval of the practice’s completion or interest will accrue on unpaid funds.”
• Finally, a new resolution calls on AFBF to create an ad hoc committee of members to analyze the impact and opportunities related to tariffs and provide corresponding policy recommendations.

Member-driven process reinforces MFB’s foundation

As the committee wrapped up its work, LaCross reflected on what the process represents for Farm Bureau members.

“This book is our guide,” he said. “The words in it come directly from our counties — through you. That’s the cornerstone of who we are as Michigan Farm Bureau.”