Page 164 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK

State Policies – Page
78
#11 FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS
1 Michigan Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau members
2 have a long history of supporting agricultural exhibitions
3 and livestock shows that promote agriculture.
4 Agriculture has long realized the importance of these
5 events as a forum for competition among individuals
6 involved in our industry and an opportunity to improve
7 the next generation of agricultural products. These
8 activities also provide an excellent opportunity to
9 enhance the leadership skills and increase the
10 agricultural knowledge of our youth, while promoting
11 agriculture with the general public.
12 The success of state and county fairs and exhibitions is
13 reliant upon leadership and volunteers from the agricultural
14 community. We urge Farm Bureau members to take an
15 active role in providing oversight and taking ownership of
16 these activities to ensure the original intent of fairs and
17 exhibitions continues. Agricultural education exhibits,
18 livestock competitions, agricultural showcases and youth
19 agricultural activities should be the cornerstone of state and
20 county fairs and exhibitions.
21 Financial resources are a critical component to the
22 continued viability of state and county fairs and
23 exhibitions. We urge the state of Michigan and
24 individual county fair boards to implement a long-range
25 plan that addresses the financial needs of these events
26 including but not limited to premiums and infrastructure.
27 As our industry has changed and we adapt to those
28 changes, we must look at new and alternative venues
29 for these events that provide opportunities for expanded
30 involvement with the non-farm population. We ask that
31 county Farm Bureaus embrace the concept of local,
32 regional, and/or state fairs financed by sponsorships
33 and promotion by organizations and companies directly
34 involved in promoting positive aspects of our great
35 state.
36 We urge MFB to evaluate and make the necessary
37 recommendations to ensure the long-term viability of
38 our agricultural heritage through participation at
39 exhibitions, shows, or other public events, in addition to
40 state and county fairs. 
#16 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Research institutions, especially land grant universities, are scaling back on their agricultural research and are requiring agricultural commodity groups and associations to participate financially, both in the research areas and in staff funding.
Because the licensing policies of Michigan State University Technologies directly or indirectly affect cost,