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The Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA) today applauded the passage and signing of HB 4603, which could give agricultural commodity groups the flexibility to hold board meetings virtually under the Open Meetings Act.

“This bill will give agricultural commodities the tools to meet more efficiently and increase transparency for our farmers,” said Randy Poll, president of the Michigan Corn Growers Association. “The seasonal nature of farming, as well as the fact that it’s a statewide industry often make it difficult to convene an in-person meeting during sensitive times like planting and harvest. We thank the Governor and the legislature for passing this bill that will make it easier for farmers and other stakeholders to participate in the committees that represent their interests.”

This bill applies to the committees as defined in the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act, as well as other legislatively created commodity groups, which include:

• The Michigan Apple Committee
• The Michigan Asparagus Marketing Advisory Board
• The Michigan Blueberry Commission
• The Michigan Carrot Commission
• The Michigan Cherry Committee
• The Michigan Corn Marketing Program Committee
• The Michigan Dairy Marketing Program Committee
• The Michigan Onion Committee
• The Michigan Soybean Committee
• The Michigan Tree Fruit Commission
• The Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee
• The Michigan Beef Industry Commission
• The Michigan Potato Industry Commission
• The Michigan Bean Commission

The agricultural commodity groups under this bill are funded by assessments that are collected when each agricultural commodity is sold. They are managed by appointed boards of directors made up of farmers representing each industry.