GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Gov. Rick Snyder lauded a room full of farmers for the success of their industry during Michigan Farm Bureau’s (MFB) 92nd Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids last week, calling on them to be mentors and role models for others in the state.

“What a wonderful success story your industry represents to all of us. When I asked, ‘Who is the original entrepreneur?’ I wasn’t kidding. It’s the farmer,” Snyder said to the crowd of more than 820 members, who gave him a standing ovation.

He said farmers have a reputation for being innovators, entrepreneurs and good stewards of the environment, and he pledged support from the state for agricultural policies to help the industry continue these paths of success. Holding up his 2011 edition of MFB’s policy manual, Snyder joked that he brought it along to “trade in” on a newer model.

“If I understand correctly, you are working on this at this conference,” he said. “I brought my 2011 copy and I’m going to trade it in, I hope. I’m looking forward to the delivery of the 2012 version. Of any group in the state, it is the best policy piece that I have, and I use it. I appreciate your hard work.”

During the annual meeting, MFB’s member delegation considered nearly 150 policy resolutions. Upon adoption of these resolutions, they will become the policies that direct MFB in 2012. In terms of agricultural policies, Snyder said there are three key areas of focus for the state: research and development, value-added food processing and exports.

Research and development is necessary to keep an industry going “that truly is revolutionizing things. Agriculture is one of the most technologically advanced and innovative industries in the entire world,” he said.

Snyder pledged the state’s support in partnering with Michigan State University and other groups to “continue those innovations and those opportunities.”

As the second most diverse agricultural state in the nation, he said state leaders are supportive of the agriculture industry’s work in developing more value-added opportunities for producers.

“We all know it’s a great economic opportunity. It’s a great job creator. We grow so many of these products already here in Michigan. How do we continue to do more processing, to bring the opportunities here and do more finish products out of Michigan?” he asked.

Snyder said this is one of the drivers for his continued support of the state’s infrastructure. In October, he proposed spending $1.4 billion on infrastructure improvements. “How do we make sure there are roads, there is rail, there are other opportunities to make sure those products can be delivered the best way to market, and to do it in a more value-added fashion?”

These factors also play a role in increasing export opportunities – an area Snyder said offers “a huge opportunity. We’re the food supplier to the rest of the world.”

He said a new trade agreement with Korea could open markets for Michigan farmers. The Chinese, he said, are interested in blueberries; as the leader in the nation for blueberry production, Snyder called this “another great opportunity.”

While it’s a point of contention for some throughout the state, Snyder continued to publicly support the New International Trade Crossing, a proposed bridge to Canada, which he said would enhance the state’s export potential.

Focusing on the environment at different times throughout the evening, he said he often receives comments and questions about environmental regulations for farmers.

Farmers are the “original environmentalists,” he said. “Who has the highest and best interest in making sure that land is being taken care of better than anybody else? It’s the people making their living off that land. Isn’t that obvious? We need to reinforce that message.”

As the state changes and refocuses on rebuilding itself, Snyder said it’s important for all residents to work together, and he challenged the MFB delegates to step up as leaders.

“What would be a great group of role models of people who have shown that they can be successful during adverse times, they show they know how to be entrepreneurial, they know how to be innovative and they know how to protect precious resources and enhance those resources?” he asked. “You.

 “It’s time to go to work, folks. I need you to step up. I need you to pass the word,” he said. “It’s time to stop talking and to start acting. I know if anything, farmers like to get things done.”