Michigan Farm Bureau’s 2026 Policy Book — shaped by members and guided by grassroots engagement — is now available. Approved by more than 400 county Farm Bureau delegates during the organization’s 106th annual meeting, the book reflects a yearlong process that ensures Farm Bureau’s advocacy efforts continue to be rooted in on-farm experience and industry know-how.
The policy book represents the review of more than 500 policy recommendations submitted by 63 county Farm Bureaus and several commodity- and issue-focused advisory committees. Through additions, amendments and deletions, members refined policies that will guide the organization’s legislative and regulatory priorities in 2026.
Covering 102 state-level policy areas, the book addresses issues critical to agriculture and rural communities — including farm and conservation programs, natural resources and the environment, transportation, workforce laws, education, energy, elections and more.
“Getting the policy book into members’ hands is always an exciting moment,” said Emily Reinart, Michigan Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy outreach specialist. “It represents the culmination of a year of thoughtful work by our members — and it’s also the starting point for how we advocate together in the year ahead.”
Policy priorities reflected at state, national levels
The 2026 Michigan Farm Bureau policy book outlines priorities that guide advocacy here in Michigan, while select member-driven issues also advanced into the recently adopted American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Policy Book, extending Michigan farmers’ influence nationwide.
- Tariffs, Trade & Workforce Policy: Members advanced policy calling for a national analysis of how tariffs and trade actions impact agriculture, while continuing to support workable labor solutions for farms. These priorities were adopted into the AFBF Policy Book, helping shape national advocacy related to trade impacts, H-2A wage rate methodology, and specialty crop definitions that better reflect the diversity of Michigan agriculture. Read more
- Natural Resources and Environmental Policy: Updates in the Michigan Farm Bureau policy book strengthen policy related to water use, conservation programs and environmental permitting — balancing stewardship with practical, on-farm realities. Read more
- Agritourism and Farm Liability: Michigan Farm Bureau policy includes new language supporting predictable liability standards for farms engaged in agritourism and direct-to-consumer activities. Read more
- Government Efficiency and Elections Policy: Members refined Michigan Farm Bureau policy supporting election consolidation to reduce costs and administrative burdens, particularly in rural communities. Read more
Putting policy into action
The policy book serves as a practical tool to engage with fellow members, lawmakers and government leaders as proposals impacting agriculture are debated or implemented.
Reinart encourages members to stay involved through their county Farm Bureau public policy committees.
“Whether you’re meeting with a local legislator over coffee, hosting a farm visit for a newly elected official, or traveling to Lansing or Washington, D.C., your engagement — and having the policy book in hand — helps ensure agriculture and rural communities remain priorities for decision-makers.”
Accessing the policy book
Members can easily explore the policy book online using keyword search and filter tools, or download the full book as a printer-friendly PDF. Printed copies will be available beginning in early February at state and local Farm Bureau events.
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