June 29, 2004

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced the following recent appointments to the Farm Produce Insurance Authority Board of Directors:

Carl J. Bednarski of Caro, president of Bednarski Farms, Inc., appointed to represent producers from the largest Michigan organization representing general farm interests in Michigan for a term expiring June 20, 2005.

Carmen L. Cousino of Temperance, secretary for Cousino Family Farms, Inc., appointed to represent producers from the largest Michigan organization representing general farm interests in Michigan for a term expiring June 20, 2007.

Derek P. LeCronier of Freeland, co-owner of LeCronier Farm, appointed to represent producers from the largest Michigan organization representing general farm interests in Michigan for a term expiring June 20, 2006.

Lyle H. LeCronier, of Freeland, co-owner of LeCronier Farm, appointed to represent the largest Michigan organization exclusively representing the interests of soybean producers in Michigan for a term expiring June 20, 2007.

Arthur A. Loeffler of Frankenmuth, president of Star of the West Milling Co., appointed to represent the largest Michigan organization representing the interests of licensees in Michigan as a nonvoting member for a term expiring June 20, 2007.

Mark K. Stoeckle of Cass City, vice president of Thumb National Bank & Trust Co., appointed to represent the largest Michigan organization representing the interests of agricultural lenders in Michigan for a term expiring June 20, 2007.

William L. Uphaus of Manchester, owner of Uphaus Farms, appointed to represent the largest Michigan organization exclusively representing the interests of corn producers in Michigan for a term expiring June 20, 2007.

Gene R. Van Driessche of Bay City, co-owner of Van Driessche Farms, Inc. & Van Driessche Partnership, appointed to represent the largest Michigan organization exclusively representing dry bean producers in Michigan for a term expiring June 20, 2007.

The board is newly created by the Farm Produce Insurance Act which was passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor in 2003. The board of directors is responsible for establishing a new program in which producers of dry beans, grains, or corn could contribute a percentage of their proceeds to a new fund and could recover from the fund any losses caused by a grain dealer’s financial failure.

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.