Representatives from the Michigan Farm Bureau travelled to our nation’s capital to meet with Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) and recognize him with the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award for his “outstanding service during the 112th Congress.” This is the seventh consecutive time that Michigan Farm Bureau has recognized Upton for his strong commitment to agricultural issues impacting local farmers.
“It is a great honor to be recognized as a friend of the Michigan Farm Bureau,” said Upton. “Agriculture is such an important part of our economy and way of life in Southwest Michigan. These hardworking men and women are to be commended for all they do to keep a reliable supply of fresh, local food on our plates. I will continue to work to ensure that our area farmers have the support they deserve at home and in Washington.”
Upton has been a longtime advocate of Michigan’s farmers. Last spring, Upton toured local farms and met with growers from across the district who faced one of the worst crop losses in decades. Upton joined other members of Michigan’s congressional delegation in successfully urging the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a disaster declaration, which extended to farmers in Allegan, Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties.
“We are pleased to recognize Congressman Upton with our Friend of Farm Bureau Award and are grateful for his service,” said Michigan Farm Bureau President Wayne H. Wood. “The congressman and his staff are true friends of southwestern Michigan agriculture, spending time with our farmers in the countryside, attending county Farm Bureau events and listening to our concerns.
“The working relationship Farm Bureau enjoys with Congressman Upton is second to none and we appreciate his efforts on behalf of Michigan agriculture. He clearly understands the issues we deal with and we always appreciate his open door.”
As Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Upton helped usher a number of bills through committee to support Michigan farmers, including legislation to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating “farm dust” as well as a measure to ensure farmers have access to the certain agricultural fumigants for critical uses. Upton also supported the successful passage of free trade agreements with Columbia, Panama, and South Korea, which are expected to increase Michigan’s agriculture exports by nearly $45 million per year and provide hundreds of agriculture-related jobs in the state.
The “Friend of Farm Bureau” award is given at the end of each Congress to Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Board of Directors.
