Bill Text: MI SR0147 | 2009-2010 | 95th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to recognize Earth Day, April 22, 2010, and Michigan farmers' commitment to agriculture and their respect for the Earth.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2010-04-22 - Adopted [SR0147 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2009-SR0147-Enrolled.html
SR-147, As Adopted by Senate, April 22, 2010
Senator Birkholz offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 147.
A resolution to recognize Earth Day, April 22, 2010, and Michigan farmers' commitment to agriculture and their respect for the Earth.
Whereas, Michigan farmers are considered the first environmental stewards. Today they utilize tools like filter strips to protect waterways and use global positioning technology that allows them to apply the most precise amount of nutrients or crop protectants to ensure plants only receive what they need for growth; and
Whereas, Nearly 10,000 Michigan farms have voluntarily participated in educational programs to learn about sound conservation practices through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). Additionally, nearly 1,000 Michigan farms have become MAEAP-verified or have requested verification. As a result, Michigan farmers have installed more than 2,400 acres of filter strips, reduced phosphorus use by more than 184,000 pounds per year, and kept more than 55,000 tons of soil from eroding and making its way into our waterways. Because Michigan farmers care, they voluntarily spend over $1.2 million annually to implement conservation practices in order to work towards MAEAP verification; and
Whereas, Michigan farmers have a high regard for Michigan families and natural resources and are happy to provide safe, nutritious, and affordable food. They put families first, as 95 percent of Michigan’s 56,000 farms are family-owned and operated; and
Whereas, Farmers value consumer choice. They believe consumers should have the option of buying food that is consistent with their values and needs and have access to balanced, objective information to help make informed choices; and
Whereas, Michigan farmers believe strongly in food safety, environmental integrity, and animal care. They want consumers to feel confident enjoying meat, vegetables, fruits, milk, and eggs from contemporary farms produced by farmers with traditional Michigan values; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby recognize April 22, 2010, as Earth Day, and we recognize Michigan farmers as the first environmental stewards for their efforts in caring for Michigan’s land and water resources, while providing safe, affordable, and wholesome food products.
