When Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shut down husbandman - owned greenhouse , nursery and landscape painting companies under statewide “ persist Home , Stay secure ” executive orders , Michigan Farm Bureau summon its thousands of farmer members via emails , texts and social media to urge lawgiver and the governor to join the 48 other states allowing those types of businesses to reopen .
Michigan Farm Bureau ’s call to action prompt fellow member – and many others – to send more than 56,000 messages to state legislator and the governor within one hebdomad . The issue presented a unique opportunity to engage consumer and ag patron who were willing and able-bodied to advocate on behalf of farmer , further inflate agriculture ’s voice and demo that the needs of the state ’s agriculture sector overlap on many presence with consumers ’ needs .
Just days before the expiration of the current Stay household order , Whitmer widen it through May 15 , but allowed greenhouses , nurseries and landscape caller to reopen , provided they follow marrow for Disease Control and Prevention refuge guidelines . Garden centers in all retail stores , including big box stores , which had also been closed under the original order , are allow to reopen as well .
MFB President Carl Bednarski tell the state of matter ’s fourthly - large agricultural sphere will gain from the move . In total , the industriousness contributes $ 700 million each year to the economy and employ roughly 9,000 people .
“ Michigan Farm Bureau back Gov. Whitmer ’s decision to safely reopen the res publica ’s greenhouses and garden centers and permit landscapers to return to work , ” Bednarski say . “ These common - common sense change are the first step to restarting our saving and protecting the fiscal and societal health of our state . ”
He continued , “ Our farmers are business community and women who are innovator and entrepreneurs . They have the tools , talent pool and technology to quickly adapt and take in new best practices with a stronger focus on public health to provide safe client experience . ”
Credit : Michigan Farm Bureau
In addition to members ’ substance , MFB stave were very in use as well , keep in unceasing contact with state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development leader , the regulator ’s bureau , state Legislature leader and the House and Senate Agriculture committee chairs .
On the medium front , MFB ’s clause and news expiration result in insurance coverage check by as many as 750,000 multitude in eight states . And the organisation contact closely 2 million hoi polloi over the retiring 28 day via social media .
Now focusing on safely reopening the state ’s economy , MFB continue to work through the country ’s leadership channels .
“ Our diverse connection of farms and business — the backbone of our community — are relying on their coaction and coordination , ” Bednarski say .
For more information : American Farm Bureau Federation600 Maryland Ave SWSuite 1000WWashington DC 20024Phone : ( 202)406 - 3600www.fb.org
