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MCGA Applauds Passage of Bill to Allow Agricultural Groups Remote Meeting Flexibility

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 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.