State Rep. Luke Meerman, of Cooperville, has been selected to serve as vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee, an influential panel tasked with deliberating all policy affecting Michigan’s $100 billion agricultural industry.

Speaker Lee Chatfield announced the assignment this week.

“It is an honor to be asked to serve on this important committee and influence policy on an industry I care about deeply,” Meerman said. “I have found my work as a dairy farmer rewarding, and I hope to make opportunities to participate in our state’s robust agricultural industry available for generations to come. Small businesses are the backbone of our Michigan economy. I want to help tell the story of Michigan’s independent, family-owned farms.”

Meerman will also serve as a member of the Local Government; Families Children and Seniors; and Commerce and Tourism committees. Meerman is in his first term as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives.