Mich. agriculture commissioner Byrum steps down LANSING, MI (Associated Press) - James Byrum has resigned from the Michigan Commission of Agriculture.

The Onondaga resident said in a release Wednesday that he disagrees with "some of the recent decisions made" affecting the agriculture industry and feels it's time to step down.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm last month issued an executive order to strip the appointment of the agriculture director from the commission and give that right to her. The order also abolishes several public boards and moves the Office of Racing Commissioner to the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

The order will take effect soon unless the House and Senate oppose it.

Granholm appointed Byrum to the commission shortly after she took office in 2003. His term was to expire at the end of 2010.





He's president and CEO of the Michigan Agri-Business Association.

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