The Nature Conservancy and Michigan Agri-Business Association honor Senators John Cherry and Kevin Daley with key agricultural award
For their work supporting the Freshwater Protection Fund, two lawmakers earn the Agriculture Conservation Partner Awards
LANSING, Mich. (January 13, 2026) – The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Michigan and the Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) today announced Michigan state Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint) and Sen. Kevin Daley (R-Lum) as recipients of TNC Michigan’s Agriculture Conservation Partner Award.
The award, presented annually at the MABA Winter Conference & Trade Show in Lansing, recognizes outstanding leadership and collaboration to advance agricultural stewardship. Sen. Cherry and Sen. Daley are the first lawmakers to receive the award and were honored for their bipartisan efforts to renew Michigan’s Freshwater Protection Fund.
“Safeguarding our state’s natural resources is a goal shared by all Michiganders, and this year’s award recognizes Senators Cherry and Daley for their leadership in continuing the highly successful Freshwater Conservation Fund,” said Rich Bowman, director of government relations at The Nature Conservancy in Michigan.
The Freshwater Protection Fund supports a wide range of state programs that enhance agricultural stewardship, natural resources protection and interagency coordination.
“Senators Daley and Cherry have ensured the Freshwater Protection Fund remains funded and strong for the future, and it is important for all of us to recognize their bipartisan, cooperative effort toward a meaningful, positive impact on our state’s land and water resources,” Bowman said.
The Freshwater Conservation Fund, among its many purposes, allows the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and local conservation districts to support farmers with programs like the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program.
“During the past 18 months, Senator Daley and Senator Cherry stepped up and worked across the aisle to ensure important agricultural programs continue in our state,” said MABA President Chuck Lippstreu. “We appreciate their willingness to work together across the aisle, and the time they spent listening to the input of a wide range of stakeholders during the effort to renew the Freshwater Protection Fund fees.”
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. For more news, visit our newsroom or follow The Nature Conservancy on LinkedIn.