Lansing (June 13, 2022) — Leaders of 34 farming, food and agribusiness organizations today called on state lawmakers to invest in a resilient agricultural economy in Michigan. In a letter to members of the Michigan House and Senate, agricultural leaders noted federal relief funds and a state General Fund surplus provide a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to strengthen and grow Michigan agriculture. Click here to read the full letter. “Your constituents and our Michigan communities statewide continue to face hardships caused by supply chain issues and empty grocery store shelves, with shortages and delays everywhere,” the leaders wrote. “The situation we are experiencing has been building for decades, and only further compounded by the pandemic. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to — together — make a transformational difference for Michigan consumers through support of advancements within the food and agriculture system.” The leaders identified targeted investments across several priority areas including rural infrastructure; agricultural worker housing; worker certification; food security and distribution; protein processing and beyond. The following organizations signed the letter to Michigan House and Senate leaders: Michigan Farm Bureau GreenStone Farm Credit Services Michigan Agri-Business Association Michigan Allied Poultry Industries Michigan Bean Commission Michigan Processing Apple Growers Michigan Processing Asparagus Growers Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association Michigan Food Processors Association The Michigan Vegetable Council, Inc Food Bank Council of Michigan Michigan Wheat Program Michigan Christmas Tree Association Michigan State Horticultural Society Michigan Apple Association Michigan Celery Promotion Cooperative, Inc. Dairy Farmers of America West Michigan Food Processing Association Michigan Corn Association Eastern Market Partnership Potato Growers of Michigan, Inc. Michigan Milk Producers Association Michigan Association of Timbermen Meijer Michigan Turkey Producers Cooperative, Inc Great Lakes Floral Association Michigan Cattlemen’s Association Michigan Greenhouse Growers Council Michigan Soybean Association Michigan Retailers Association Michigan Aquaculture Association Michigan Dairy Foods Association Cherry Marketing Institute Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee “Michigan farmers are some of the best in the world at feeding our families, protecting our environment, boosting our economy and creating good jobs,” said Carl Bednarski, President of the Michigan Farm Bureau. “We need to support and enhance their efforts, and those of critical partners like rural agricultural businesses, processors, food retailers and distributors who work together to help get healthy food to tables around the world.” “Our agriculture industry continues to navigate a labor crisis and historic supply chain challenges,” said Chuck Lippstreu, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “We are calling on lawmakers to seize this historic opportunity to invest in modern rural infrastructure, get skilled workers back on the job and position our Michigan agriculture industry for success. We simply can’t afford not to act.” “Michigan agriculture is known for our innovation and our entrepreneurial spirit, but new investment is critically needed to maximize our success,” said Dave Armstrong, President and CEO of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. “As our state leaders allocate substantial new, one-time investments to spark economic opportunity across Michigan, our message is clear: Keep Michigan agriculture growing.”
