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Decatur Today
By the People, for the People
Growers from Niles, Decatur Appointed to State Agricultural Commissions
Governor Whitmer reappoints two Southwest Michigan residents to key industry boards.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced new appointments to dozens of state boards and commissions, including the reappointment of two Southwest Michigan residents - Gregory Kugel of Niles to the Michigan Apple Committee and Scott Hassle of Decatur to the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission. Both will serve new terms on the industry-focused panels through 2029.
Why it matters
These appointments help ensure that the voices and interests of Michigan's agricultural producers, particularly in the apple and tree fruit sectors, are represented on key state-level regulatory and advisory bodies. The commissions play an important role in coordinating industry research, marketing, and other initiatives to support the competitiveness and profitability of these vital segments of Michigan's agricultural economy.
The details
Gregory Kugel, the CEO of Kugel Farms in Niles, will continue representing District 1 on the Michigan Apple Committee. Scott Hassle, a second-generation farmer and partner at Berrybrook Enterprises in Decatur, will represent District 2 growers on the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission. Both appointments are subject to confirmation by the Michigan Senate.
- The new terms for both Kugel and Hassle will run through March 1, 2029.
The players
Gregory Kugel
The chief executive officer of Kugel Farms in Niles, Michigan.
Scott Hassle
A second-generation farmer and partner at Berrybrook Enterprises in Decatur, Michigan.
Gretchen Whitmer
The Governor of Michigan, who made the appointments to the state agricultural commissions.
The takeaway
These appointments help ensure that Michigan's apple and tree fruit growers have a strong voice in shaping the policies and initiatives that impact their industries at the state level.
