LANSING – Representative Mike Simpson (D-Jackson), Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, today took committee members on a tour of Thumb-area sugar, dry bean and ethanol producers in order to show them first-hand the needs and issues related to Michigan's agricultural industry.
"Agriculture is Michigan's second-largest industry and one of the only areas where we are seeing job growth and economic development," Simpson said. "It's important that our lawmakers on the Agriculture Committee understand what our farmers and agricultural businesses need to continue prospering. These producers and food processors are a key part of Michigan's agricultural industry, and it's critical that we focus on this market. Michigan producers like Kellogg's have been providing good-paying jobs for Michigan families for a long time, and by growing this industry, we can attract new businesses and new jobs."
Simpson, who has been working in conjunction with the Michigan Agri-Business Association, was joined by members of the House Agriculture Committee as they toured producers throughout the Thumb, including the Michigan Sugar Company in Bay City, Michigan Ethanol in Caro and two State of the West Milling plants – the dry bean processing center in Reese, and the flour processing plant in Frankenmuth.
"Our agricultural industry is a pillar of our state's economy," said State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City), former Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. "I'm glad that members of the House Agriculture Committee are taking this opportunity to learn about the issues that are affecting the food producers and processors in the Great Lakes Bay Region. In these tough economic times, we must stand behind those who work every day to get food to our table."
State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) also called for the Legislature to make agriculture a priority.