Michigan Farm Bureau Members Appointed to Blueberry and Tree Fruit Commissions

By Andi Anderson

Several Michigan Farm Bureau members have been appointed or reappointed to the Michigan Blueberry Commission and the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

These commissions focus on research, education, and market growth for Michigan’s blueberry and tree fruit industries.

Michigan Blueberry Commission Appointments

The following members have been appointed to serve until December 31, 2027:

• Eric Kamphuis (Ottawa County) – Farm manager at S. Kamphuis Blueberries and owner of Kamphuis Farms, LLC.
• Dave Reenders (Ottawa County) – President of Crossroads Blueberry Farm, reappointed for District 1.
• Jason Thomas (Van Buren County) – Operations manager at Thomas Blueberries, reappointed for District 2.
• Other commission members include Robert Bodtke, Creela Hamlin, Becky Hotovy, and Carly Parsley.

The Michigan Blueberry Commission, housed within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, was established to support research, education, and promotion of Michigan’s blueberry industry.

Michigan Tree Fruit Commission Appointments

The following members will serve until March 1, 2028:

• David Smeltzer (Benzie-Manistee County) – Owner of West Wind Orchards, LLC, appointed for District 1.
• Gerrit Herrygers (Oceana County) – Lead sales representative at Wilbur-Ellis Company, reappointed for District 2.
• Daniel Dietrich (Ottawa County) – Owner of Ridgeview Orchards, reappointed for District 2.
• Other commission members include Adam Brauer, Scott Hassle, Charles Rasch, and Bruce Veliquette.

The Michigan Tree Fruit Commission works to expand market opportunities and support research to improve the economic position of fruit growers.

These appointments will help strengthen Michigan’s fruit industry by promoting innovation, research, and market expansion.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski