Page 188 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK

State Policies – Page
102
56 completion of a public project, is abandoned, or no
57 longer used for the purpose stated, the landowner
58 should have the right of first refusal at the price paid
59 by the government entity. In eminent domain cases,
60 landowners should have at least five years from the
61 time of the original settlement in which to negotiate
62 claims for damages.
#82 MICHIGAN CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
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Enhancing farmland conservation practices and natural resource stewardship will benefit both farmers and the public. We strongly support funding for conservation districts programs (e.g., soil, water and forestry) to develop, improve and provide assistance to agricultural landowners. We urge all farmers to utilize Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices to protect soil, water and other resources.
We support adequate funding for conservation districts to ensure an efficient conservation delivery system. We continue to support efforts to find a dedicated source of funding for the conservation districts, which will allow them to plan long-term projects knowing that funding is secure. Dedicated funds derived from agricultural sources should focus on providing cost-share to producers for implementing conservation practices.
Michigan’s conservation delivery system, including Natural Resources Conservation Service, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Districts, could be more effective in delivering conservation on the ground, and it needs to be improved. The Michigan Legislature should initiate the redirection of Department of Environmental Quality non-regulatory responsibilities and accompanying funding to MDARD for distribution to the conservation districts. We encourage the conservation districts to take full advantage of farm bill programs, federal watershed initiative programs, and other grant opportunities to provide services and programs for farmers in addition to dedicated funds. We encourage conservation districts to promote the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and work in collaboration with farmers to provide technical advice and assistance, including access to financial assistance through the Farm Bill, in order to address resource concerns and achieve MAEAP verification.
We encourage Farm Bureau members to support and become actively involved with local conservation districts by working collaboratively to improve the