HART, Mich. – Amid Michigan’s asparagus harvest season, Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu joined Jamie Clover Adams, Executive Director of the Michigan Asparagus Association to spotlight the urgent need for reform of high labor costs facing Michigan specialty crop farmers. “Skyrocketing labor costs driven by an unrealistic, unsustainable federal government calculation pose a critical threat to the future of Michigan fruit and vegetable production,” said Lippstreu. “Rural businesses and communities in West Michigan and across our state depend on a thriving specialty crop sector. Unfortunately, runaway costs created by a broken U.S. Department of Labor program threaten the future of this industry. We thank the bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress who have supported a freeze of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate, and we continue to call for lasting reform of this broken system.” Lippstreu and Clover-Adams discussed the issue during a tour of Herrygers Farms, where they met with Caleb Herrygers, a fourth-generation farmer growing tart cherries, apples, and asparagus in Oceana County. Herrygers has previously outlined the serious problems labor cost increases pose for Michigan growers. MABA and many Michigan agricultural organizations have lauded the Supporting Farm Operations Act (HR 7046), led by Congressman John Moolenaar from Michigan, which would freeze the AEWR until the end of 2025. This move would be especially important for farmers in Michigan, which has one of the highest rates in the country. “Michiganders are proud of our asparagus industry, one of the many incredible and unique facets of Michigan agriculture, but it’s simple math: Federal wage rate standards have put growers on an unsustainable path,” said Clover-Adams. “For Michigan to continue producing fresh, healthy, affordable asparagus for families across Michigan, this issue must be addressed without delay.” Photo (L to R): Oceana County, Mich. farmer Caleb Herrygers and Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) President Chuck Lippstreu discuss Michigan’s asparagus harvest at Herrygers Farms on May 16, 2024.
