2000 Resolutions

Resolutions adopted at the 130th Annual Meeting of the
 Michigan State Horticultural Society

December 5, 2000

1)      The Michigan State Horticultural Society requests that the Michigan Department of Agriculture be empowered and mandated to remove or cause to be removed orchards and vineyards which have been abandoned. Abandonment is defined as those trees and vines which create the potential for disease and/or insect transfer to commercial production within one mile, and are not being managed and cared for according to Generally Accepted Agricultural Practices.

2)      Because of economic hardship caused by the deer damage to newly planted and young fruit trees and other agricultural crops, we supportMichigan implementing a program similar to the program in place in the state of Wisconsin to promote compensation for deer damage.  To be sent to Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Agriculture.

3)      We reaffirm resolutions passed in 1999 and 1998.

a)      (1999) Food Quality Protection Act: The Michigan State Horticultural Society reaffirms the need to ensure that the Food Quality Protection Act implementation be based on sound science and economic impact.  Hence, the necessity that all commodities have economic alternatives to the loss of any crop protection products is paramount to the success of the Michigan fruit industry.  Therefore, the Michigan State Horticultural Society encourages a renewed effort by its membership, Michigan Farm Bureau, other Michigan commodity interests and the Michigan agricultural industry to demand that the food quality Protection Act be implemented by the US Environmental Protection Agency in a sound scientific manner.

b)      1999. Labor: Whereas the Michigan fruit industry is highly dependent upon labor, and whereas in recent years, for a variety of reasons, there are concerns about shortages of labor to harvest and process/pack the crops, therefore be it resolved that the Michigan State Horticultural Society supports:  1) increased funding in state housing grants, 2) expanding and simplifying entry into the US for temporary seasonal agricultural workers, and 3) the development of more structure networking within the growing community.

c)      1998. Country of Origin Labeling: The Michigan State Horticultural Society acknowledges the original efforts to establish a country of origin label for foodstuff. Legislation needs to be defined, adopted and enforced. No abbreviations should be allowed and the country of origin placement needs to be prominently displayed. This requirement would ensure and informed consumer decision

4)      Apples – Program Crop: Whereas the federal government, Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies impose regulations that increase an apple grower’s production costs, including chemical costs, minimum wage, etc., we feel the USDA should consider apples as a program crop eligible for program payments.

5)      The Michigan State Horticultural Society encourages the USDA to use accounting practices of the same standards as are used for other businesses when determining net profits; capital costs, including depreciation and management costs, need to be included for a true net farm income profit figure, not a political figure.

6)      We support the continued funding for fireblight research and post-harvest apple research at MSU.

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