East Lansing - The Michigan Commission of Agriculture elected two new officers and welcomed Charles Velmar Green as its newest member during its regular meeting held Tuesday, June 21, 2009 in East Lansing in conjunction with the Ag Expo at Michigan State University.

Commissioner Todd Regis of Lansing was elected as vice chair replacing Ann Jousma-Miller of Gladstone who resigned from the Commission, and Commissioner Don Coe of Traverse City was elected Secretary.

Additionally, Charles Velmar Green of Elsie was appointed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm to represent Republicans succeeding Dale Norton of Bronson whose term has expired. Green's term runs through December 31, 2012. Green is the owner of Green Meadows Farms in Elsie.

"As a dairy farmer, Velmar continues a long standing family tradition in Michigan's growing agriculture industry. He is also an innovator and an early adaptor of environmentally sound on-farm agriculture practices," said James Byrum, Commission chair. "I look forward to working with him as the Commission continues to advocate for Michigan's agri-food industry, maintain critical services during challenging economic times, and increase the presence of Michigan agriculture in the global marketplace."

The Michigan Commission of Agriculture is a bipartisan body appointed by the Governor to provide oversight and policy direction for MDA programs, appoint the director of agriculture, andapprove the rules and regulations the department promulgates.

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