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Decatur Today
By the People, for the People
Whitmer Appoints Two Southwest Michigan Residents to State Ag Commissions
The governor has reappointed Gregory Kugel and Scott Hassle to serve on 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 two residents of Southwest Michigan. Gregory Kugel of Niles has been reappointed to the Michigan Apple Committee, while Scott Hassle of Decatur has been reappointed to the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission. Both will serve terms expiring in 2029.
Why it matters
These appointments help ensure that the voices and interests of Southwest Michigan's agricultural community are represented on key state-level commissions that oversee and support the state's apple and tree fruit industries.
The details
Gregory Kugel, the CEO of Kugel Farms, will continue representing District 1 on the Michigan Apple Committee. Scott Hassle, a second-generation farmer and partner at Berrybrook Enterprises, will represent District 2 growers on the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission. Both commissions work to improve the profitability and competitiveness of Michigan's apple and tree fruit industries through market development, education, and research.
- The appointments were announced on February 27, 2026.
- Kugel and Hassle's new terms will expire on March 1, 2029.
The players
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
The governor of Michigan who made the appointments to the state agricultural commissions.
Gregory Kugel
The CEO of Kugel Farms in Niles, Michigan, who was reappointed to the Michigan Apple Committee.
Scott Hassle
A second-generation farmer and partner at Berrybrook Enterprises in Decatur, Michigan, who was reappointed to the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission.
Michigan Apple Committee
A state commission dedicated to improving the profitability of Michigan's fresh and processed apple industries.
Michigan Tree Fruit Commission
A state commission that seeks to strengthen the economic position and competitiveness of Michigan's tree fruit industry.
What’s next
The appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate.
The takeaway
Governor Whitmer's appointments of Kugel and Hassle help ensure that Southwest Michigan's agricultural interests are represented on key state-level commissions overseeing the apple and tree fruit industries, which are vital to the region's economy.
