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Aquaculture and Commercial Fishing #6

Disabled

Aquaculture and commercial fishing are major contributors to our Michigan food basket and should be recognized as a part of agriculture.

We support:

Updating the Aquaculture Development Act to reflect the status and potential of the industry.
Better collaboration between the state agencies and the aquaculture industry that leads to greater investment and enhancement of state hatcheries/fisheries, the commercial fishing industry, and the commercial aquaculture industry. Additional enhancements should also include changes to the permitting process that advance the growth of Michigan's aquaculture industry.
Urging regulatory agencies, along with Michigan Economic Development Corporation, state universities, and the aquaculture industry to continue cooperating to address regulatory needs, while at the same time facilitating the continued growth of aquaculture through streamlining regulation and facilitating access to capital for development.
Annually reviewing and updating the memorandum of understanding between Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (MDEGLE) and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR).
MDARD, MDEGLE, and MDNR understanding that generational transition and industry growth in aquaculture, commercial fishing, and agriculture are critical for future industry success and food security in the state when regulatory decisions are made.
The State of Michigan prioritizing food production from aquaculture and commercial fishing at the same level as the recreational fishing industry.
Harmonization of the state and federal definition of aquaculture.
The concept of group or lot identification for aquaculture species.
MDARD registration of out-of-state producers who market aquaculture products in Michigan and enforcement of regulations related to importation of aquaculture products.
Funding, research development, and approval of live fish tests to eliminate the need to sacrifice fish, as is the current requirement.
If an individual farm has an established herd health plan and a disease status that declares it to be free of regulated aquaculture diseases, that farm should have the ability to ship product interstate.
MDARD cooperating with other states and establishing agreements allowing shipment of fish from Michigan into other states that follow similar protocol.
MFB being involved in Michigan Aquaculture Association’s strategic plan development.
Michigan State University establishing an aquaculture program containing dedicated faculty to support and enhance the industry. The program should include research, extension and demonstration and be housed under an agricultural development department.
Industry-developed herd plans to include the option for slaughter surveillance testing, where feasible, and be implemented on a voluntary basis with MDARD being the lead agency.
Development of science-based aquaculture disease control policies that also take into account indemnification of losses to producers.
The right of commercial fishermen to pursue fishing operations in a responsible manner. The MDNR should not adopt regulations more restrictive than those applied to tribal fisheries.
Expansion of opportunities to allow sustainable commercial fishing of additional species of fish in the Great Lakes.
MDARD having authority over commercial fishing when the fish leave the net.
Allocation of funds for research to more effectively manage and utilize this natural resource.
Efforts of the commercial fishing industry to establish a program under PA 232 of 1965.
The adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs) as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit compliance, rather than individual permits with numerical discharge limitations for aquaculture facilities. If individual permits are required, it should only be for facilities that produce over 20,000 pounds annually and only if on a one-page permit application.
Streamlining the NPDES permit process by developing a general permit based on BMPs to reduce water testing requirements.
The ability to conduct aquaculture production in current and prior converted wetlands and within the natural rivers districts.
MDNR producing and providing fish, at a fair price, for stocking and growth on Michigan aquaculture farms for food production.
Enabling legislation and/or the regulatory framework to allow the development of a properly regulated open water net pen aquaculture/cage culture of fish in the Great Lakes and other water bodies.
Development of a national aquaculture check-off program.
Appropriate staffing within MDARD to lead and collaborate with other agencies on a planned, designed and streamlined process for approval and permitting of aquaculture and commercial fishing processing facilities.
Industry oversight on any new state or federal funds for aquaculture or commercial fishing with a majority of the funds going to aquaculture and commercial fishing producers.

We oppose:

Any ban on the use of biotechnology in aquaculture without specific evidence or demonstration of harm by the technology.
Individual identification for aquaculture in the event animal identification is mandated.
Restrictions on the culture or stocking of rainbow trout based on genetic strain.
Immediate implementation of new Environmental Protection Agency effluent standards if operational viability is jeopardized.
Increasing NPDES permit restrictions or compliance requirements without sound scientific justification.
The use of the Lacey Act to regulate the interstate movement of aquaculture products and urge immediate action to address current prosecutions, as well as a cessation of this practice by regulatory officials.
Testing requirements for the stocking of fish in Michigan that are more restrictive than national requirements set by the International Office of Epizootics.

Agriculture

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Biotechnology #8

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Biotechnology offers tremendous benefits to society, including being able to increase production, while preserving scarce natural resources, to ease world hunger and to tailor-design agricultural products for specific health, nutritional and industrial purposes.

We support:

Developing research and testing to enhance adoption of biotechnology products and processes, and address consumer safety and environmental concerns.
Funding from companies that develop this technology to educate the public on the safety and benefits of biotechnology.
Developing a positive national strategy for the further growth of biotechnology research and the swift dissemination of accurate information to consumers concerning biotechnology products.
U.S. government agencies, particularly the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), continue to serve their role in providing unbiased, science-based evaluations concerning human and animal safety and wholesomeness, as well as the environmental impacts of biotechnology-enhanced commodities. These agencies should evaluate if improvements could be made to the regulatory approval process to enhance consumer confidence.
Developing standardized testing procedures to ensure accurate, timely and cost-effective analysis of biotechnology products throughout the production and marketing chain.
The U.S. government to use all available means to improve international understanding of the science-based process used by agencies when approving biotechnology-enhanced commodities.
Initiatives that assist in the research, development and regulatory clearance of specialty crop biotechnology products.
Michigan Farm Bureau proactively educating members and consumers about the advantages and potential of biotechnology, including the use of the FARM Science Lab.
Strong patent protection to encourage these new technologies.
An expedited process for the approval of edible and non-edible genetically engineered plant material beneficial to the agricultural/horticultural/floricultural industry through the FDA and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Allowing farmers to use their own crop as seed as long as they pay the technology fee for the seed they use.
Communication with end users to identify specific needs to promote value-added trait development.
The voluntary approach taken by the biotechnology industry allowing further development of agriceuticals and research while protecting our commercial production. Seed purity (identity preservation) is critical in maintaining consumer and processor confidence in agricultural products.
The common practice followed by the seed industry (as well as outlined under the USDA organic practices) that the burden of maintaining genetic purity falls solely upon the producer of the identity-preserved crop as far as needed buffer strips and other cultural practices. Users of biotech seeds should follow planting restrictions and requirements.
The U.S. developing a uniform, science-based international approval process for biotechnology.
The free choice of farmers to grow what they want, whether it be biotech or non-biotech products.
Public and private efforts to continue research on non-biotech seed.

The U.S. producer should not have to pay for this technology, development, and marketing alone; all purchasers should share the research cost.

Food products utilizing biotechnology that have been scientifically proven safe should not be discriminated against by unfair labeling requirements that are not required of other industries using biotechnology. No products should be released for commercial production until approved for both human and animal utilization.

We oppose attempts to limit the production or use of genetically modified crops or animals, based on unproven statements and unsubstantiated fears.

We are concerned about the potential loss of current technology, production and management tools that have fostered advancements in agriculture and will oppose attempts to limit the utilization of approved use of biotechnology in production agriculture.

Agriculture

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Agricultural Innovation and Value-Added Initiatives #3

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Structural changes in agricultural processing have affected many traditional supply/demand relationships between producers and their buyers. Value-added initiatives offer opportunities to deal with such changes and keep agriculture profitable.

We support:

Producers’ individual and cooperative efforts to improve income with processing and marketing that add value to farm products while maintaining food safety.
The Michigan State University Product Center’s objectives and ongoing efforts, including educational programs that support and promote agricultural processing opportunities.
The coordination and formation of producer alliances and cooperatives.
Efforts to strengthen agricultural processing in Michigan. Incentives for existing and/or prospective processors should include (but not be limited to) industrial facility exemption options, tax breaks, regulatory reform/relief, and ample access to necessary inputs such as investment capital, labor, energy, and farm products.
A closer working relationship and collaboration between Michigan Farm Bureau and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), including quarterly meetings between their staffs and leadership.
Agricultural representation on the MEDC to better serve agriculture and the food industry. We support Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development authority and/or oversight over granting MEDC funds for agricultural development activity.
The use of Michigan MarketMaker (https://mi.foodmarketmaker.com) for featuring Michigan commodities and value-added products.
A coordinated effort between agriculture and controllers of publicly owned lands (e.g., county parks, rest areas, park-n-ride lots, etc.) to facilitate farmers’ on-site marketing of Michigan-grown products to consumers.
Tax incentives and infrastructure to increase Michigan’s food-processing capabilities.
State government establishing a low-interest loan program for funding qualified value-added ventures.
The Right to Process Act, including protections for agricultural processors and cooperatives.
Continued monitoring of the Michigan Cottage Food Law to ensure it maintains its original intent.
The use of one-time start-up grants (not recurring funding) for food hubs.
Encouraging institutions to purchase more food from local sources.
Additional research and development for value-added opportunities.
Grant programs for industry segments that struggle to secure loans because they are seen as high risk.
Government agencies cooperating to expedite innovative agricultural initiatives.
Annual funding of an ag innovation value-added initiative fund.
Funds for developing automation and robotics useful to Michigan agriculture.
Funds for studying the impact of automation, robotics, software, and communication technology on Michigan agriculture.

Agriculture

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Cannabis Production #9

Disabled

In alignment with the voter passed initiatives, the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act of 2008 and the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act of 2018 (MRTMA), related to cannabis production and use, we support:

Funding for continued and expanded research on the effects of cannabis use.
Local municipalities having the ability to allow or not allow cannabis production and sale in their communities as prescribed in section 6 of MRTMA.
The development of setbacks by local municipalities, with input from the Cannabis Regulatory Agency, for new cannabis production operations from non-owned residences to minimize negative interactions between the growing/processing industries from the local residents.
The Cannabis Regulatory Agency developing model local ordinances for the cannabis industry.
Best practices being developed to provide guidance to the cannabis industry.
Continued tracking of the production and distribution of cannabis to ensure the integrity of the industry.
The development of accurate testing to determine impairment levels from cannabis use.

Industrial Hemp

We support:

Changes to the 2018 Farm Bill that allow for industrial hemp with up to 1% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to be legal.
Changes to federal laws that allow for the housing, transportation and marketing of legally derived industrial hemp products for further processing, regardless of the THC level, if the product for final sale meets legal THC limits.
Establishing a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Industrial Hemp Advisory Committee to assist in the regulatory development and oversight process, including developing hemp Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices.
Collaboration with the industry to develop a professional hemp industry organization.
Federal and state funding for required regulatory oversight. We are willing to consider producer and processor funding to help offset or assist with regulatory oversight.
Research on processing, production techniques, prospective volumes, and market outlook.
Collaboration amongst MDARD, Michigan State University Extension and other stakeholders to develop and disseminate educational materials on growing, processing, transportation and marketing of industrial hemp.
Development and approval of alternative uses and/or disposal methods for the destruction of a “hot crop” other than Drug Enforcement Agency disposal rules.
The regulation of hemp/cannabis-derived intoxicating cannabinoids/terpenes that are artificially added to hemp products.

We urge the Food and Drug Administration to issue guidance and clarity on the rules surrounding the marketing of industrial hemp-derived products.

Agriculture

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Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitions #2

Disabled

Michigan Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau members have a long history of supporting agricultural exhibitions and livestock shows that promote agriculture. Agriculture has long realized the importance of these events as a forum for competition among individuals involved in our industry and an opportunity to improve agricultural products. These activities also provide opportunities for enhancing leadership skills and boosting the agricultural knowledge of participating youth, while also promoting agriculture to the general public.

The success of state and county fairs and exhibitions relies on volunteer leaders from the agricultural community. We urge Farm Bureau members to take active roles in providing oversight and taking ownership of these activities to ensure the original intent of fairs and exhibitions continues. Agricultural education exhibits, livestock competitions, agricultural showcases and youth agricultural activities should be the cornerstone of state and county fairs and exhibitions.

Financial resources are a critical component to the viability of state and county fairs and exhibitions. We urge the State of Michigan and individual fair boards to implement long-range plans that address the financial needs of these events, including but not limited to premiums and infrastructure.

As our industry adapts to change, we must look for alternative venues for these events that provide opportunities for expanded involvement with the non-farm community.

We urge MFB to evaluate and make recommendations aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of our agricultural heritage through participation in exhibitions, shows and other public events in addition to state and county fairs.

Agriculture

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Bee Industry #7

Disabled

Bees are a vital resource for pollination of Michigan’s diverse crop production and added value of the honey and hive products produced.

Some pesticides can harm honey bees and even destroy whole colonies. We urge beekeepers, farmers and pesticide applicators to cooperate to reduce honey bee losses.

Beekeeping (apiculture) is a specialized form of agriculture and should be recognized under the Right to Farm Act by local, state and national regulatory bodies.

We support:

Research finding practical, effective means of controlling or reducing the infection from Varroa mites, tracheal mites, small hive beetles — and continued study into all diseases affecting bee colonies.
The inclusion of apiaries under paragraph 9.4 of the Wildlife Conservation Order, subsection (1). We encourage the Department of Natural Resources to be proactive in the protecting of Michigan’s pollinators.
Michigan Farm Bureau working with state and federal agencies to resolve issues regarding plant species in Michigan and their importance to the Michigan bee industry, such as changes to USDA conservation programs that allow for planting flowering cover crops and pollination plantings that emphasize the health benefits for the bee colonies.
Increasing the number of veterinarians trained in honey bee health and expanding the animal health tools available for the bee industry.
The use of improved genetic stocks that naturally reduce pest and pathogen loads in honey bees through inherited traits and breeding that focuses on varroa mite resistance.

Agriculture

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Commission System of Government #10

Disabled

Prior to 2009, bipartisan commissions controlled the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources with the power to hire directors of the respective departments.

We strongly support this historical commission system of government. Commissions should provide oversight and set policy for the department, conduct appeals, and employ a director. The historical commission system creates continuity, transparency and program accountability. We support restoring all duties of the agriculture and natural resources commissions, including the ability to employ a director.

Future Natural Resources Commission (NRC) appointees should be balanced, not only in their passion for outdoor recreation but also with ecological and business environments. A farmer representing production agriculture should be on the NRC.

We insist the Michigan Legislature or Governor create a commission for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. We urge appointments to include agricultural representation in proportion to other interests and to follow guidelines like those listed above.

Agriculture

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Direct Marketing and Agritourism #15

Disabled

Agritourism is the intersection where agriculture and tourism meet; when a farm opens its doors to the public and invites visitors to enjoy their products and services.

We support:

Legislation defining agritourism as activities on the farm that may or may not be directly related to the farm operation, conducted for the purpose of increasing income for the farm business including education, entertainment, experiences, or farm stays, but does not change the general intent of the farm operation.
The development of an agritourism act, administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), that preempts local ordinances. Areas of coverage should include, but not be limited to, event barns, corn mazes, farm stays, and farm animal related activities. Farms will receive the benefits of this act if more than 50% of the farm income is generated by the sales of commodities grown on the farm and if the facilities can meet the building code’s public safety requirements. This does not prohibit local governments from enacting reasonable hour, noise and parking regulations.
Master plans and local zoning ordinances recognizing the benefits and allowing the operation of farm markets, roadside stands, agritourism destinations and farmers markets that allow for the placement of these activities on agricultural zoned land without a special use permit. We do not believe a city, township or other local agency can restrict or mandate the size of what a farm market/roadside stand is and recognize that selling produce retail is not considered a change of use on land that is currently farmed.
Michigan zoning authorities adopting the Agricultural Tourism Model Zoning Ordinance Provisions developed by the Michigan Agricultural Tourism Advisory Commission and MDARD.
Working with the direct market and agritourism industries to improve and strengthen the farm market Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs).
Creating Generally Accepted Agritourism Practices that align with the GAAMPs outlined in the Right to Farm Act and recognizing agritourism as a sector of the agriculture industry.
Legislation to enhance and promote agritourism, the development of guidelines and best practices, as well as on-farm direct marketing opportunities.
Designating certain roads and highways as “Scenic Agricultural Byways” to showcase Michigan’s agricultural diversity, unique agricultural features, farm markets, roadside stands and related businesses.
The opportunity for farm operations to have their businesses designated as tourism destination points.
The Michigan Farmers Market Association, along with grower vendors, establishing guidelines for agriculture procedures of farmers markets and to assist them if requested. In the event fees are charged by municipalities to farms that participate in farmers markets, we believe those fees should not exceed the cost to run the market.
Locally grown should be defined as produced in Michigan, or within 50 miles of the border.
Community Supported Agriculture programs that build relationships, provide healthy food choices, and encourage consumers to meet the people that grow the products.
Farmers markets and farm marketers promoting and providing food safety education to consumers.
Operations welcoming the public to their facilities and portraying a professional image because they are our ambassadors to the public where positive perception is important.
Operations with livestock participating in their respective national animal care programs.
Defining farm stays as an agritourism experience.

We oppose:

Discriminatory regulation, licensing and inspection by regulatory agencies and local units of government on farm markets, roadside stands and agritourism operations which restrict their competitiveness. Markets should not be subject to duplicate or unnecessary inspection by MDARD, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and local units of government.

Agriculture

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Food Safety #19

Disabled

Food safety is a significant concern for agricultural producers and consumers and is one of the highest priorities for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). In making decisions regarding regulations for food safety, MDARD must balance risk preventative measures with over-regulation that would hinder entrepreneurial opportunities.

Food safety transportation concerns must be handled at the national level to ensure smooth interstate commerce.

As food safety regulations increase, it is vital for Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) and MDARD to continually review and monitor any changes to pesticide labels. It is imperative for farmers to have up-to-date information when following the pesticide spray recommendations in the MSUE spray guides.

We support:

Proper biosecurity, identification, and safety protocols being followed by state and federal agency personnel when visiting farms; including compliance with executive orders and regulatory requirements relative to the industry.
Continued use of food safety audits such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and food safety risk assessments to ensure food and consumer safety.
A private, third-party audit being accepted by USDA if it includes at least the same minimum standards as a government audit.
Standardizing a single third-party audit that would be broadly accepted by retailers.
Permanent institutional licensing, including churches and civic facilities.
Current milk pasteurization laws, including prohibiting the sale of unpasteurized fluid milk for human consumption.
Michigan Farm Bureau and MDARD working to provide guidelines for cow-share and herd-shares that meet Grade A dairy standards.
Use of wooden pallets and wooden harvest bins.
Custom exempt slaughter.
The ability for families to process and consume their own products on their own farm.
Monitoring of the Cottage Food Law.
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, in consultation with MDARD, reviewing the rules for application of biosolids to growing fruit and vegetable crops with the intent of preventing potential human health hazards.
The concept of On-Farm Readiness Review kits along with the Food Safety Modernization Act Grower Training programs that help ease the burden of farms becoming compliant.
MFB and stakeholders conducting educational meetings for microbusinesses related to agriculture.
Prohibiting reuse of food containers or packaging labeled with “use by” or “purchase by” dates, for the benefit of consumer health and producer liability protection.
A committee of MFB members researching and reporting on block chain technology use in agriculture and the potential impact on Michigan agriculture.
MDARD immediately reporting food fraud and cybersecurity impacts.

We oppose:

Unfunded mandates, including but not limited to USDA GAP audits.
Abusive and overreaching Cottage Food Law enforcement and application.
Any agency or department quarantining or seizing raw or finished products, commodities, livestock, land, or equipment without clear violation of law or lawfully set standards.

Agriculture

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Equine Industry #17

Disabled

Michigan’s equine industry is very broad and involves many people and a variety of horse breeds. We strongly encourage and support collaborative efforts by equine professionals to strengthen the industry and support its growth. The equine industry is stronger and able to thrive when united and working collectively.

We support:

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development working with local governments to continue classifying equine operations as agricultural for zoning purposes.
Additional changes or legislation that provide economic growth and strengthens the horse racing industry.
Funding for the expansion of the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education at Michigan State University.
Marketing opportunities for the equine industry.
Michigan Farm Bureau working to re-establish additional harvest options for the equine industry.
Funding for the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service for inspectors in facilities that slaughter horses.
The Equine Liability Act, which strengthens liability protection measures for the industry.
Efforts to establish an equine industry marketing and education program.
The industry’s efforts in conducting a study to determine the impact and status of the state’s equine industry.
Removing the online wagering tax cap with the funds being allocated to the Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund.
The expansion and promotion of equine recreational opportunities on public land.
Prohibiting bicycle/pedal powered devices on trails signed for equestrian and hiking only.
Prohibiting non-equestrian campers in equestrian campgrounds and portions of other campgrounds dedicated to equestrian use.
The establishment, growth, and funding of urban equestrian education and promotion programs.
Seven-year retention of signed liability release forms.

We oppose:

Attempts to classify equine as companion animals.
Legislation limiting or prohibiting the use of horses as working animals.
Relocating the horsemen’s simulcast purse pool funds to any race meet licensee.

We understand there are instances where owners can no longer care for their animals and under these circumstances there must be viable options for dealing with them. All equine owners need to understand the responsibility of owning and caring for their animals.

In instances where equine is abandoned, we encourage local officials to seek out the owner and levy a fine for animal abandonment.

In an attempt to encourage the equine industry to be more proactive in environmental protection, we encourage MFB to develop an equine specific strategy that focuses on Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program verification, manure management and environmental protection for the industry.

We are concerned about the number of wild mustangs being rounded up on federal land and being moved into Michigan. These horses should have an inter-state health certificate and meet the health standards of the Michigan equine population and the Bureau of Land Management adoption requirements.

Agriculture

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