Waterford Today

Lawmakers have reached out to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to ask for clarification on executive orders for "u-pick" farms and greenhouses in the state of Michigan.

Rep. Greg VanWoerkom (R- Norton Shores) and Rep. Mike Mueller (R-Linden) wrote a letter noting that they believe these operations can serve the public safely. Both expressed appreciation for the governor's leadership during the COVID-19 crisis.

“People can absolutely practice safe distancing at u-pick farms,” said VanWoerkom, according to Michigan House Republicans. “Farms can create systems that eliminate person-to-person contact, just like our grocery stores have been doing.”

Mueller noted that these services could support the state’s food supply and add more nutritious options for residents who want to spend less time in grocery stores.

“I, as well as Rep. VanWoerkom, are standing up for our agriculture community and all the people who benefit from taking advantage of u-pick farms,” said Mueller, according to Michigan House Republicans. “We are asking Gov. Whitmer for the clarification farmers and Michigan residents deserve.”

They also touched on the need to address allowances for greenhouses in Whitmer’s executive orders. VanWoerkom and Mueller asked her to allow greenhouses to sell to individuals and farms, because they believe it’s best for the state.

“Greenhouses should absolutely be allowed to participate in online and call-in sales,” Mueller told Michigan House Republicans. “We have every reason to feel confident our greenhouse industry would perform this task safely and with care.”

Both say that businesses in their districts, including family-owned, multigenerational businesses, have reached out because they’re worried about what’s to come, particularly if the COVID-19 shutdown continues.

“As lawmakers, we must stand up for our hard-working families and fight to provide commonsense solutions for them,” Mueller told Michigan House Republicans. “We cannot let this virus win. As we continue to socially distance ourselves and take other precautions to stop the spread of this virus, it is my hope the governor will also fight to protect these vital operations.”