Senator Stabenow Honored at Michigan Pomesters Event
Apple grower group acknowledges Senator’s career-long support of agriculture
LANSING, Mich. – Senator Debbie Stabenow is the 2023 Michigan Fruit Person of the Year, the Michigan Pomesters announced yesterday. The award was presented to the longtime US Senator at the Ridgefest event on Thursday.
“Over the years, Michigan’s apple growers have stood by my side supporting my efforts to create the first specialty crop title in Farm Bill history recognizing Michigan’s fruits, vegetables, and diverse crops, and making sure that Michigan has been reflected on every page of our nation’s farm bill. I am so proud to be your friend and partner. Thank you for this recognition. Our work together makes this honor especially meaningful,” said Senator Stabenow.
Each year, the Michigan Pomesters select an individual who has brought innovation and insight into Michigan’s tree fruit industry, to honor them for outstanding service to the industry.
As Chairwoman of the US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, she has led the writing of more Farm Bills than any current member of Congress, shaping federal farm policy through landmark farm and food legislation. She recognizes the importance of agriculture as the second largest industry in Michigan. She knows that we can’t have a strong economy unless we make things and grow things. Her work continues to shape our nation’s food and farm policy, impacting generations to come.
The Michigan Apple Committee’s Executive Director Diane Smith introduced the Senator at the event that celebrates the coming apple harvest and educates growers about the latest production innovations.
“It was a great honor to introduce the Senator, who many refer to as the “Specialty Crop Queen” for all her support of agriculture including specialty crops,” said Smith. “Our industry is fortunate to have such a champion at the federal level, advocating for our safe, quality food supply grown right here.”
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan Apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. To learn more, visit MichiganApples.com.
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