GRAND RAPIDS — In just two days, more than 400 Michigan Farm Bureau delegates refined and approved policy recommendations that will guide the organization’s advocacy efforts in 2026, including a new resolution that proposes creating a national ad hoc task force to analyze the impact of tariffs on farmers.
In Grand Rapids during the 106th State Annual Meeting, MFB delegates reviewed recommendations from the 21-member State Policy Development Committee, which this fall examined more than 500 policy proposals submitted by 63 county Farm Bureaus and various advisory committees. Statewide issues covered environmental language, farmland protection, and, among others, the prohibition of eminent domain for private ownership.
According to MFB Vice President and State Policy Development Committee Chair Mike Fusilier, the policy development process is the “lifeblood of our organization.”
“Our grassroots are what make us strong,” he said.
“And our process can take a little more time than other organizations invest, but in the end, it’s far more powerful.”
Approved national recommendations now advance to the American Farm Bureau Federation level for consideration in January. This year members had renewed focus on water resources and land resources, said MFB President Ben LaCross.
“Our delegates called for a resolution for AFBF to create an ad hoc committee of members to analyze the impact and opportunities related to tariffs and provide corresponding policy recommendations,” added LaCross, a second-generation fruit grower in the northwestern Lower Peninsula.
“I am excited to take that resolution to the national level and advocate on behalf of our members.”
Other key policy discussion topics include:
Simplifying elections
On Wednesday, delegates removed language that would have opposed a state constitutional convention and added language supporting, “The consolidation of the May and August elections into a single election in May or June.”
“Elections are on our members’ minds going into next year,” said Matt Kapp, government relations specialist for MFB.
“Beyond the many significant open seats on the ballot, our members also pay close attention to opportunities that streamline government and create efficiencies. Consolidating elections could reduce costs for local units of government, something Farm Bureau members value, especially in the rural communities they call home.”
Strengthening water-use and environmental regulation policy
The Water Use in the Great Lakes Basin policy will now be divided into two — one that focuses on farmers’ water withdrawal needs and the Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool and another that emphasizes 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.
Land use and natural resources amendments
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.”
Farm and agritourism liability
Delegates also added language stating support for the State of Michigan returning to the Open and Obvious Doctrine for premises liability, which is the legal principle applied in courts that limits a property owner’s liability for injuries caused by hazards that are considered readily visible by a reasonable person.
“As more farms welcome the public for agritourism, clear and reasonable liability protections are essential to managing risk and ensuring these operations can continue offering safe, enjoyable experiences without facing undue legal exposure for conditions that are inherent to working farms,” Kapp said.
“We believe farmers engaged in direct marketing or agritourism activities should have protections when it comes to accidents.”
MFB board of directors completes reorganization process
During the organization’s annual meeting, the MFB board of directors completed its yearly reorganization, with District 3 Director Mike Fusilier selected to serve as the board’s vice president. District 2 Director Jennifer Lewis will serve as the board’s 3rd member, while District 8 Director Michael Mulders, and District 11 Director Patrick McGuire will also serve on the board’s Executive Committee, led by MFB President Ben LaCross.