Expanding Michigan’s agricultural workforce

Rep. Kevin Daley Editor’s note: The following guest editorial was written by Rep. Kevin Daley, R-Lum, who represents the 82nd House District (Lapeer County). A griculture has always played a vital role in the Michigan economy. Throughout history, agriculture has been successful in transforming and modernizing farming practices so residents can continue to depend on its livelihood. Agriculture has transitioned from small, self-supporting family farms to a much larger, technically and scientifically advanced industry.

Modern Michigan agriculture is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy and our agriculture work force has lots of room to expand. It’s common sense for Michigan to shift focus toward agriculture when looking to create more jobs. The rewards are far more likely to outweigh the costs when relying on an already stable and established industry to spur job growth.

Modernizing agriculture to meet 21st century needs and expanding our work force means looking for ways to improve infrastructure and transportation to support the increase in productivity and processing. Michigan farmers need every inch of transportation routes in pristine condition so they have timely access to agricultural markets. With 13 percent of our state’s bridges considered “deficient,” accessing farms and providing equipment to remote fields becomes very difficult.

Rural development is also directly impacted by the lack of transportation rail services provide. New companies and facilities looking to ship heavier freight are limited because of our state’s deteriorating train tracks or nonexistence of rail services. The necessity of a functioning rail system is also vital to existing facilities that are operating on a deteriorating track.

In the Thumb, the rail system is important for our grain facilities that handle tens of millions of bushels including locally grown soybeans, dry beans, corn and wheat. If the rail systems continue to decline our grain facilities would have to spend 50 cents more per bushel to be hauled by trucks. Farmers depend on the entire transportation system to run smoothly — every highway, bridge, train track and rural county road is crucial for businesses.

While continuing to strengthen Michigan’s agricultural community, members of the Michigan Farm Bureau recently met with lawmakers at the MFB 2012

Lansing Legislative Seminar to discuss market access through infrastructure, policy reform and work force expansion. I also want to thank the MFB for the Silver Plow Award they gave me for my help enacting reforms to the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). The program helps farmers to maximize productivity in an environmentally sound way and offers meaningful incentives for farms to become MAEAP verified. Gov. Snyder recently announced his plans to expand the program to 5,000 farms by 2015, representing more than 80 percent of our state’s agricultural production.

The key to producing more jobs is to encourage all aspects of the agriculture industry to thrive — getting everyone on board to expand our agricultural work force may not be easy, but as chair of the House Agriculture Committee, it is my duty to increase agri-business awareness and help improve people's understanding of agriculture production on all scales.

As always, I look forward to hearing your comments and feedback on these important issues. Residents of Lapeer County can contact me at my Lansing office by calling (517) 373-1800 or by emailing me at kevindaley@house.mi.gov.