Reps. Huckleberry, Barnett, Terry Brown, Byrnes, Griffin, Haase, Hansen, Kennedy, Liss, Lori, Marleau, Mayes, Nathan, Pearce, Rogers, Scripps, Smith, Tyler, Valentine and Walsh offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 252.  

A resolution to declare April 22, 2010 as Farmers Care Day in the state of Michigan. 

            Whereas, Michigan farmers are considered the first environmental stewards and today utilize tools like filter strips to protect water ways and use global positioning technology that allows them to apply the most precise amount of nutrients or crop protectants to ensure plants only receive what they need for growth; and

Whereas, Nearly 10,000 Michigan farms have voluntarily participated in educational programs to learn about sound conservation practices through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP).  Additionally, nearly 1,000 Michigan farms have become MAEAP verified or have requested verification.  As a result, Michigan farmers have installed more than 2,400 acres of filter strips, reduced phosphorus use by more than 184,000 pounds per year and have kept more than 55,000 tons of soil from eroding and making its way into our waterways.  Because Michigan farmers care, they voluntarily spend over $1.2 million annually to implement conservation practices in order to work towards MAEAP verification; and

Whereas, Michigan farmers care about Michigan families and natural resources and are happy to provide safe, nutritious and affordable food. Michigan farmers put families first as 95% of Michigan’s 56,000 farms are family owned and operated; and

Whereas, Farmers care about consumer choice, they believe consumers should have the option of buying food that is consistent with their values and needs, and have access to balanced, objective information to help make informed choices; and

            Whereas, Michigan farmers believe strongly in food safety, environmental integrity and animal care. Michigan farmers want consumers to feel confident enjoying high quality and economical meat, vegetables, fruit, milk and eggs from modern agricultural operations raised by farmers with traditional Michigan values; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare April 22, 2010, as Farmers Care Day in the state of Michigan.  We recognize Michigan farmers as the first environmental stewards for their efforts in caring for Michigan’s land and water resources, while providing safe, affordable and wholesome food products.