June 19, 2020 — The Agricultural Leaders of Michigan today issued the following statement recognizing Michigan House and Senate leaders and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for finalizing an agreement to deploy more than $850 million in federal COVID-19 response funding across our state through the CARES Act Supplemental. “This bipartisan measure is good news for Michigan agriculture and our rural communities. It secures $10 million in critical assistance for food processors to continue safely operating and $5 million for farm safety grants to help Michigan farmers and their employees stay safe on the job. It also supports Michigan’s food banks as they work to meet historic demand. As Michigan’s reopening continues, we applaud the bipartisan collaboration shown by our leaders to reach this agreement, and we appreciate their commitment to a strong and reliable food supply.” The statement was signed by: Dave Armstrong, president and CEO, GreenStone Farm Credit Services Mary Kelpinski, CEO, Michigan Pork Producers Association Chuck Lippstreu, president, Michigan Agri-Business Association Ken Nobis, senior policy advisor, Michigan Milk Producers Association # # # Agricultural Leaders of Michigan is a coalition of agricultural, commodity and agribusiness leaders committed to promoting Michigan agriculture, participating in the ongoing dialogue about issues affecting our state, and harnessing agriculture’s power and potential to further grow Michigan’s economy. The coalition is made up of GreenStone Farm Credit Services; the Michigan Agri-Business Association; the Michigan Milk Producers Association; and the Michigan Pork Producers Association. Learn more at www.agleadersmi.com.
