GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) members reaffirmed their support for the New International Trade Crossing (NITC), a proposed bridge that would connect Michigan and Canada.

This was one of 148 policies considered by voting delegates representing MFB’s 67 county Farm Bureaus, during its 92nd annual meeting Nov. 29-Dec. 2. In considering the NITC issue during their policy development sessions, MBF members agreed “good bridges make good neighbors.”

MFB’s support for Gov. Rick Snyder’s bridge proposal was formerly in a general highways policy, but delegates narrowed their focus, in part because “the NITC promises to be more efficient with easier access from highways and shorter delays from international customs inspectors.”

The policy was considered just hours before Snyder addressed members during their annual banquet. He has been criticized by many for his desire to support a new bridge, given Michigan’s poor economic position, and following his address he answered questions about the bridge during a press conference.

“We made a commitment to say it wouldn’t be a financial burden on the citizens of the state of Michigan in terms of taking on liabilities or debt,” Snyder said. “The legislation we proposed said that multiple times.”

He said Canada has made the commitment to be “great partners to advance the funds we’d normally pay, and to be paid back out of funds from the bridge operation.” As a “promoter of international trade,” Snyder believes the bridge will foster long-term job creation and will be another tool to help Michigan farmers be successful.

While the state legislature has been reluctant to accept the concept of a new bridge, Snyder refused to say he will proceed by Executive Order if it does not act. “We’re going to get a bridge done, and as a practical matter, we’re continuing to talk to the legislature on this process, and we’re making progress,” he said.

In another policy matter, delegates again considered the sensitive issue of feral swine. Striking a balance between members who raise hogs and the organization’s support of independent small businesses such as game farms and hunting preserves, the delegates reaffirmed that MFB supports the elimination of feral swine in Michigan, as well as regulation of swine hunting facilities.

New to the policy, MFB supported the Oct. 8 order by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which names certain species of pigs as invasive. Additionally, MFB maintained opposition to artificial baiting and feeding of free-ranging deer.

MFB’s continued support for regulating swine game farms and hunt clubs is a reaffirmation of existing policy, which calls for regulations such as disease testing of all incoming and outgoing animals, strict fencing requirements, stocking sterile animals only and permanent, individual animal identification.

In national issues, MFB members forged policy that opposes proposals from the U.S. Department of Labor to restrict children from many activities involved with working on farms.

“Farm Bureau opposes all efforts to restrict the ability of young workers to obtain appropriate employment in agriculture if they desire to work,” the approved policy reads.

As for seasonal laborers who travel to Michigan to work, policymakers promoted a “simple guest worker program” and opposed any mandate on employers to use e-verify until a guest worker program is in place for workers not currently authorized.

In preparation for anticipated farm bill negotiations in 2012, members recommended farmers be ineligible for disaster assistance payments from the government if they do not purchase crop insurance. Also, the delegate body approved of national dairy policy opposing any type of supply management program.

Resolutions adopted at the meeting dealing with state issues will direct MFB action in 2012 and be forwarded to the American Farm Bureau Federation for consideration at its 93rd Convention and Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Jan. 8-11, 2012.

Visit www.michfb.com/annual/index for more information on these and other measures considered during the meeting.