State Rep. Julie Alexander has again been named chair of the influential House Agriculture Committee, Speaker Jason Wentworth announced today.

Alexander, who is serving in her third term as state representative, also chaired the committee last term. The Agriculture Committee is tasked with deliberating on all policy related to the agricultural industry in Michigan. This includes, but is not limited to, issues regarding Right to Farm, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), agri-business, agri-tourism and food safety.

“I know firsthand the challenges Michigan’s farmers face in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis and look forward to working together to foster a bright future for the industry,” Alexander said. “I am passionate about hearing stories from our farmers and educating the public on what it means to be grown in Michigan. The House Agriculture Committee will be a venue for many open, bipartisan conversations about how we can support our Michigan-grown agriculture moving forward.”

Alexander noted that the state’s food and agriculture sector generates more than $104 billion of total economic activity for Michigan each year, employing 805,000 Michigan residents.

Alexander and her husband operate a third-generation farm in Hanover, growing around 1,500 acres of corn, soybean and hay crops. The family also has 40 years of experience with dairy farming. Alexander will also serve on the House Health Policy Committee and the House Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee.