LANSING, Mich. (September 15, 2022) – Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) President Chuck Lippstreu issued the following statement on news that rail union leaders and freight rail carriers reached an agreement to avoid a rail worker strike: “This agreement is good news for rural Michigan and our agriculture sector. A freight rail shutdown would have been devastating for Michigan agriculture during the fall harvest season, and we applaud all parties for coming together in good faith at the negotiating table to secure an agreement and avert further service disruptions. We also appreciate the hard work of federal leaders, including Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, to help avert a devastating freight rail shutdown. The strength and stability of the U.S. freight rail system is critical for agriculture, with 25 percent of all U.S. grain moving by rail. As a peninsula, Michigan is especially dependent on freight rail to deliver products to export markets around the world. We look forward to continuing to work together with our member businesses, national partners and policymakers to strengthen the U.S. rail system and help ensure reliable freight rail service for Michigan grain handlers.” ### About the Michigan Agri-Business Association: The Michigan Agri-Business Association is a strong advocate and dedicated resource for Michigan’s food and agriculture sector. The association’s members include ag retailers who provide seed, fertilizer, and crop protection products to farmers; grain handlers; feed suppliers and food processors. Learn more at www.miagbiz.org.
