The agricultural legislative environment has been very active this spring and moving into the summer months. In D.C., Congress is actively moving through the Farm Bill process and the several Farm Credit priorities were included! Back in GreenStone’s territory, an urban agriculture tour in Detroit, MI was sponsored by GreenStone and attended by almost 30 people from the Michigan legislature and agricultural industry. Then in Wisconsin, there is a summer-long farm tour schedule to educate elected officials and keep them engaged. All these accomplishments have been aided by the foresight to build relationships and provide financial support through our political action committees (PAC).
The successful MI GreenStone PAC campaign was followed by deliberation on the recommendations for MI GreenStone PAC disbursements by the Board of Directors with perspective from our lobbyist partner Kelley Cawthorne and the legislative outreach team at GreenStone. Over 30 individuals were identified to be recipients of funds based on their agriculture background, commitment to growing Michigan’s agriculture economy and rural communities, and leadership in the Michigan legislature. Delivery of the funds has begun and some of the MI GreenStone PAC checks will be delivered in-district and in GreenStone offices to facilitate local connections.
In Wisconsin, the WI Farm Credit PAC contribution drive showed continued support from members. This is directly allowing the WI Farm Credit associations to collaborate and decide what legislators to support with PAC funds. Focus has been placed on legislators who have led policy efforts that are priorities for the WI Farm Credit legislative committee and understand the needs of our Wisconsin rural communities. We look forward to inviting members to participate in meetings.
The Farm Credit PAC has also been delivering contributions to federally elected legislators both state-side and in Washington, D.C. The Federal delegation in both Michigan and Wisconsin continues to be thankful for the outreach and support. The information and connections provided has resulted in strong and positive recognitions of Michigan and Wisconsin agriculture and Farm Credit.
Your GreenStone legislative outreach team remains committed to building relationships and communicating the policy needs of your rural communities and agriculture industry, and we are hopeful of workable solutions. But, without your support, we are not able to have as positive of an impact. You are commended for your initiative and commitment to the future of agriculture and rural communities in Michigan and Wisconsin!
To view the summer 2024 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.
