2/11/11 - A local legislator says a pair of bills he sponsored would ensure Michigan farmers who voluntarily comply with state environmental standards receive real benefits. Senate Bills 122 and 123, introduced by State Senator Joe Hune, were approved Thursday by the Senate Agriculture Committee. The Hamburg Township Republican, who owned and operated a Fowlerville farm before becoming a lawmaker, said the legislation would guarantee benefits to farmers who voluntarily comply with state environmental standards. The proposal would give the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program dedicated funding, which the Michigan Farm Bureau says is needed as many farmers are currently cautious about participating out of fear their voluntary efforts and personal investment would go in vain.
Since the program’s inception in 1999, nearly 1,000 of Michigan's approximately 56,000 farms have completed the rigorous three-phase process to earn verification. Farm Bureau officials estimate that could increase to 5,000 farms by 2015 if the bills become law. Both bills now go to the full Senate for further consideration. (JK)