March 04, 2016
Friday, March 4, 2016
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the reappointments of James Engelsma, of Walker, Mark Miezio, of Suttons Bay, and Michael VanAgtmael, of Hart, to the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission.
Housed in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the nine-member commission was established by growers in 2014 to improve the economic position and competitiveness of the Michigan tree fruit industry.
“The food and agriculture industry is an important contributor to Michigan’s economy,” Snyder said. “I am confident that this group of appointees will continue to work hard to grow this sector of our economy.”
Engelsma is the President of J Engelsma Orchard, Inc., and has worked on the family farm for over 32 years. He is also a crop consultant with Crop Production Services, where he ensures that growers are up-to-date on the most efficient and environmentally friendly fruit production methods. He served as a member of the Michigan Apple Research Steering Committee, and the interim Michigan Tree Fruit Committee. He will continue to represent fruit growers in District 2.
Miezio has been the operations manager of Cherry Bay Orchards for over 8 years and was previously the lead civil engineer for Jacobs Engineering, Inc. Miezio is a licensed professional engineer and pesticide applicator. He serves as president of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Foundation Board and the Leelanau County Horticultural Society. Miezio is also a board member of the Michigan State Horticultural Society, Great Lakes Packing Company, and Shoreline Fruit, LLC. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois and his master’s degree from Michigan State University. He will continue to represent fruit growers in District 1.
VanAgtmael is president of VanAgtmael & Sons Inc. He is also a private pesticide applicator. He has served on the Michigan Cherry Committee, Michigan Plum Advisory Board, and interim committee for the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission. VanAgtmael will continue represent fruit growers in District 2.
Members will serve three-year terms expiring March 1, 2019. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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