GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Nearly 1,000 Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) members and special guests got up close and personal with Gov. Rick Snyder during the organization’s annual meeting at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Place in Grand Rapids.

During a Nov. 29 town hall meeting, Snyder offered comments on several issues of interest to Michigan agriculture and took questions from members of the state’s largest farm organization.

The state’s leader answered questions about his favorite flavor of ice cream, gas taxes, the proposed bridge to Canada, wetlands, education requirements, agricultural processing and others. Snyder also saw instant smart phone results of poll questions and expressed appreciation for intricate technology he saw last summer inside a combine at Michigan State University’s Ag Expo.

“The future for agriculture in the state is absolutely awesome, in my view. I think we have a fabulous opportunity for the long-term,” Snyder said.

 “We are the comeback state in the U.S. right now. We were the sixth-fastest growing economy of the 50 states last year. That’s after a number of years of being 49 or 50,” Snyder said. “This is not the time to slow down. Now is the time to keep that passion going. One of the key engines of our economy is agriculture.”

He said the state’s $91 billion ag industry is positioned for a bright future, with emphasis on increasing agricultural exports, boosting career opportunities and growing consumer access to healthy foods. “One of the key things is about doubling exports. If you look at our future, we should have ‘Made in Michigan’ on everything we do. Whether it’s manufactured, made or grown in our state, we need to emphasize that,” he said.

“For agricultural careers, it’s about finding 10 percent more. Our most precious asset in Michigan is our talent – the people. The interesting part is that you don’t give yourselves enough credit. Being a farmer is one of the most challenging careers anyone could ever have because it does not fit in a box. You’re an entrepreneur. You need to be an innovator. You need to be a technologist today to run the equipment. You need to be a good finance person.

“I need your help to stand up with me to help portray the story of what you really do, not just what everybody else thinks you do,” he said.

Snyder also touted farmers’ roles in getting fresh foods into urban areas and schools, to help benefit people in terms of overall health and wellness. “We won’t stay within traditional boundaries,” he said, as he wrapped up his presentation, the first of its kind for the organization. “We got too down on ourselves, too negative, and we still fight with ourselves too much today. “You’re among the people who have the brightest, best future of any group in Michigan. If you’re willing to accept it, grab that opportunity and run with it.”

MFB President Wayne H. Wood was as enthusiastic about the challenge and potential for the future as he was about the event. “Tonight, in my mind, was one of the most successful events we’ve ever had,” he said. “We had an ag town hall meeting with the governor, used new technology to question him onstage, and he responded. What a great way to address the changes we need if we’re going to move from good to great.

“We appreciate your appreciation for agriculture,” Wood told the governor. “The first two years of your administration has made such a huge difference in (farmers’) attitudes because we feel appreciated. The role we play in reinventing Michigan is important to us, and we’re thankful we have the opportunity to do that.”