LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Rick Snyder touted agriculture as one of the industries key to Michigan’s future success during his “State of the State” address Jan. 18.

“They have been one of the unsung heroes of our economy,” he said of Michigan’s agricultural producers. “Over the last decade, they have been one of the shining lights for our state. We need to remember we’re the second most diverse agricultural state in the nation, and we’re going to continue to grow and do better.”

In his one-hour speech, which included brief points that were short on details, the millionaire businessman-turned-governor outlined successes from 2011 and predicted that building on those successes will lead to continued job growth.

In 2011, the state’s unemployment rate dropped from 11.1 to 9.3 percent – an increase of nearly 80,000 jobs. Snyder said in the coming year he intends to continue “getting it right and getting it done” as he expressed his trademark motto of “relentless positive action.”

Snyder didn’t propose any sweeping changes in the year ahead. Instead, he said “we must finish what we started” last year. That includes fighting obesity; putting in place Michigan Health Marketplace, a measure to help the uninsured shop for health care; raising $1.4 billion for repairs to the state’s bridges and roadways; continuing an effort to develop and construct a new bridge from Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, Canada; outlawing elder abuse; lowering crime rates; and tackling education issues such as funding, dual enrollment and college readiness.

“This is no time to let up,” he said. “Job One is still jobs. Ensuring bright, prosperous futures for working families and their children demands a steadfast commitment to Michigan’s reinvention.”

Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) President Wayne H. Wood commended Snyder on his second State address and his unwavering commitment to reinvent Michigan by taking care of unfinished business, addressing critical challenges and emphasizing good government.

“Governor Snyder has made great strides over the past year to reform and streamline state government, particularly state spending,” Wood said. “The Michigan Farm Bureau is encouraged by the Governor’s 2012 State of the State address and we believe his plan for the future provides an optimal starting point for continued dialogue and action in the Capitol on critical reform measures.”

Snyder’s focus on “good government” falls in line with MFB’s government streamlining initiative, encouraging lawmakers to reduce excess from wasteful areas of the state’s government.

“Farmers understand a thing or two about doing more with less; over the past century, our productivity has soared despite our population declining. In government, as on the farm, efficiency is achieved by working smarter, not by throwing money around,” Wood said.

“As the Governor stated, the challenge for the state is clearly to invest where investment is needed and make significant yet prudent investments.”

Several other goals outlined by Snyder align with MFB’s 2012 organizational agenda, including capitalizing on the state’s diverse agriculture industry to grow jobs in Michigan.

“Farm Bureau appreciates the Governor’s continued recognition of agriculture and forestry as key industries that are critical to Michigan’s future and warrant investment,” said Wood. “We also look forward to working with Governor Snyder on his Pure Michigan Talent Connect initiative and making more people aware of the good-paying, highly diverse jobs that are available in the agriculture industry and that require skilled professionals of all backgrounds and talents.”

Another of the governor’s focal points for 2012 is to remove outdated regulations that hamper job growth and efficiency.

Wood said MFB also places a high emphasis on Snyder’s commitment to properly maintain and fund the state’s aging infrastructure and improve the transportation system, through innovations such as the New International Trade Crossing proposed to link Detroit and Canada.

“The success of agriculture in Michigan depends on access to markets. Maintaining and growing markets, however, largely hinges on being able to transport agricultural goods to and from market by road, rail, water and/or air in a cost-effective, efficient and reliable manner,” Wood said.

“As the Governor candidly acknowledged, no one in Michigan is satisfied with the current condition of the state’s road system. Clearly, transportation and infrastructure are areas that demand prudent but significant investment.”