We appreciate the Michigan Bean Commission’s ongoing efforts to increase the consumption of nutritious Michigan dry beans.
We support:
Ongoing research to continually improve dry bean production in Michigan, including new technology.
Research ensuring the industry can meet changing consumer preferences, specifically the development of new end-user products.
Continuation, staffing and adequate funding of Michigan State University’s dry bean variety development program.
A bean breeding program that includes the development of new varieties that better meet the demands of domestic and international markets.
Researching disease control and pest prevention.
Production contracts as viable and important marketing tools for growers, elevators and canners. All parties must abide by the provisions of these such agreements, with close interaction among all parties to ensure compliance at all levels.
Contract language that includes “Acts of God” provisions accounting for adverse weather conditions affecting growers’ ability to plant, grow or harvest a crop.
The Pulse Health Initiative.
Accurate and timely reporting of dry bean prices by elevators when gathering data for computing revenue insurance.
Uniformity of grading standards among elevators regarding foreign material and pick/grading determinations.
Production and price reporting in an efficient format that can be updated as needed.
Electronic shipping documentation.
Representation from the organic dry bean industry on the Michigan Bean Commission.
We oppose:
Limited market access for all processors and producers.