HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
REP. JULIE ALEXANDER
CHAIR
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
10:30 AM
Room 326, House Office Building
The House Committee on Agriculture was called to order by Chair Alexander.
The Chair requested attendance be called:
Present: Reps. Alexander, Posthumus, Bellino, Rendon, Filler, Carra, Garza, Cambensy,
Hope, Witwer, Puri.
Absent: None.
Excused: None.
Representative Filler moved to adopt the meeting minutes from January 26, 2022. There being
no objection, the motion prevailed by unanimous consent.
The Chair laid HB 5700 before the committee:
HB 5700
(Rep. Lightner)
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled "Natural
resources and environmental protection act," by
amending section 8320 (MCL 324.8320).
Representative Lightner, joined by Scott Mauer, representing Napoleon Feed Mill, and James
Videto, a Jackson County, Michigan farmer, all testified in support of HB 5700. Questions and
discussion followed.
The following people submitted a card in support of HB 5700, but did not wish to speak:
Andrew Vermeesch, representing the Michigan Farm Bureau.
Tony Des Chenes, representing the Potato Growers of Michigan.
The following people submitted a card in opposition to HB 5700, but did not wish to speak:
Ashley Steffen, representing the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural
Development.
The Chair laid the presentation on Double Up Food Bucks and the Michigan Good Food Fund
before the committee.
Kate Kraus, the Chief Operating Officer of Fair Food Network, provided a presentation on
Double Up Food Bucks and the Michigan Good Food Fund. Questions and discussion followed.
The Chair returned to HB 5700.
Mike Schiffer, representing the Michigan Agricultural Aviation Association, testified in
opposition to HB 5700. Questions and discussion followed.
There being no further business before the committee, Chair Alexander adjourned the meeting at
11:33 AM.
Representative Julie Alexander, Chair
Dakota Soda
Committee Clerk
dsoda@house.mi.gov