As a grassroots organization,
Michigan Farm Bureau's future is in the hands of their more than 48,500 farming members.
"We are more than an organization of farmers; we are a farmers’ organization. Our members set our policy and our member leaders provide direction; our board of directors is composed of leaders who make a living farming," says Scott Piggott, Michigan Farm Bureau chief operating officer.
Farm Bureau goals include growing new opportunities to market and add value to farm products, to promote an environment where farming can grow responsibly and to grow member leaders in communities.
In the past 12 months, the Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies has added 84 established, full-time staff members. That includes both new blood from outside Farm Bureau and those who have transitioned from a temporary pool into established positions. Adding some key new positions, including a technology director, is anticipated.
Piggott says that beyond their talented staff is a grass-roots membership - the heart of the organization.
"They’re the real innovators, developing policy at the local level and passing it up to statewide delegates at our annual meeting for refinement and consolidation. That’s where our direction comes from, year after year," he explains.
Source: Scott Piggott, Michigan Farm Bureau
Writer: Veronica Gracia-Wing, Innovation News
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