Who is Michigan Farmers Union?

Michigan Farmers Union is a grassroots organization that works to protect the social and economic well-being of family farmers throughout the Great Lakes State.

Our members are our policy makers. We engage elected officials on issues that come directly from our membership and press lawmakers to implement and enforce laws and regulations that will strengthen agriculture in Michigan. They exist because we exist!

We are a membership driven organization, which is as diverse as our agricultural landscape and includes conventional, organic and niche operations. All our members – whether they are long-established or beginning their agricultural journey – play a role in raising awareness about issues and fighting for our rights as family farmers with policy makers here and in Washington, D.C.  

Michigan Farmers Union has been the voice of family farmers, rural residents and consumers since our founding in 1932.  We aim to preserve a sustainable economy that benefits each of us where we live, while providing domestically grown, healthy choices for consumers. We are  committed to enhancing the quality of life of family farmers through educational opportunities (such as Beginning Farmers Institute, or BFI), co-operative endeavors and civic engagement.

If you are a family farmer or rural resident dedicated to preserving your way of life; if you are a consumer and you believe it’s important to buy locally from someone you know and trust; or if you believe in sustainability, then we invite you to join in a strong and unified voice.  We work every day to further understanding and education around the six core priorities listed below:

• Sustainability
• Country of Origin Labeling
• Energy and Food Security
• Genetically Modified Crops
• Competitive Markets
• Monopolies and Concentration in Agriculture
• Conservation

We care deeply about the future of Michigan agriculture, including everyone who produces, processes and transports our food, the environment; cooperative business development, and rural communities.

Interested in learning more about Michigan Farmers’ Union and their priority areas? Consider attending their annual meeting in Lansing on Dec 7th. More details can be found here.

Kristine Ranger is the Executive Secretary of the Michigan Farmers Union. Learn more at michiganfarmersunion.org

Photo courtesy of the Michigan Farmers Union.