Page 166 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK

State Policies – Page
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16 that addresses plant-based industry priorities. The group
17 has established the Michigan Animal Agriculture Innovation
18 and Workforce Development Initiative which focuses on
19 ensuring the sustainability of the state’s animal agriculture
20 sector through a targeted annual investment in research,
21 extension and workforce development. Many dairy and
22 livestock related groups are making annual contributions to
23 support this effort and we strongly encourage state funding
24 to enhance the effort. 
#32 PRIVATELY-OWNED CERVIDAE
1 We urge the privately-owned cervidae production
2 industry, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Department
3 of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD),
4 Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and
5 Michigan State University continue to work cooperatively
6 to address the marketing, regulatory, and research
7 needs of the industry and the State to facilitate the
8 growth of the industry.
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We support:
Legislation recognizing privately-owned cervidae
production as an agricultural industry with full benefits of traditional agriculture extended to this industry, such as tax status, production insurance, health certification, loan guarantees and expedited approval.
MDARD and DNR’s current rules and regulations governing privately-owned cervid farms.
A scientific study of the beneficial environmental and economic effects of raising cervidae on marginal land in Michigan.
Premise registration for all facilities and individual animal identification as required in current law. Strict enforcement of current laws and penalties in cases of harassment, theft, and/or willful destruction of privately-owned cervidae operations.
We oppose:
Any federal regulatory agency that would duplicate,
supersede or conflict with state regulations which would control the privately-owned cervidae production industry at the state level.
Mandatory double-fencing at producer cost. 
#38 AGRISCIENCE, FOOD & NATURAL RESOURCES EDUCATION AND THE FFA ORGANIZATION
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We encourage expansion of the current and creation of new junior high/middle school and high school Agriscience, Food and Natural Resources Education Programs (AFNRE) and FFA chapters as vital tools for educating young people, providing career and technical