LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 1, 2025) – Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu issued the following statement on new tariffs imposed Saturday against Canada and Mexico:
“As a border state, leading agricultural exporter, and major North American trade and transit hub, Michigan deeply values our strong, long-term commercial relationships with Canada and Mexico. We are deeply concerned that across-the-board tariffs risk substantial negative economic consequences for Michigan agriculture and rural communities in our state.”
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About the Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA): Based in Lansing, Michigan, the Michigan Agri-Business Association represents nearly 300 companies and organizations involved in the agricultural and food production value chain. These include rural farm supply businesses, crop input manufacturers, logistics providers, utility companies, professional service providers and beyond. Learn more at www.miagbiz.org.
LANSING, Mich. – MIchigan farming and agribusiness organizations Monday reiterated their call for action to address the negative consequences of impending Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) changes for family farms and rural employers.
A letter sent to the Michigan Senate from the organizations spotlighted bipartisan approval of HB 4001 and HB 4002, and called for Senate action as soon as possible.
“It is important to understand that rural, Main Street businesses and Michigan farms will be among the many other sectors of Michigan’s economy harmed if the Legislature allows these changes to enter into force as written,” the groups wrote to Senators.
The letter can be viewed online here.
With no further action from the Legislature, an array of changes to the ESTA take effect next month. These changes will greatly reduce employers’ options for offering paid leave to employees, creating a “one size fits all” approach. It contains no exemptions for even the smallest employers; no flexibility for seasonal and temporary workers often employed part-time at rural businesses; and no recognition of the unique factors, such as animal care and crop movement logistics, that impact agricultural businesses.
“Rural businesses compete intensely to attract, hire and retain workers through existing competitive benefits and compensation packages, and upcoming ESTA changes will hamstring those efforts,” said Chuck Lippstreu, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “Michigan’s rural employers were heartened to see the Michigan House act on legislation to deliver relief, and they echo the calls coming from every corner of our state’s economy for legislators to make common-sense changes to this policy before it takes effect.”
“Michigan farms are proud to lead the way in delivering jobs and economic opportunity in rural communities across Michigan, and we are deeply concerned this new policy will harm both employers and employees,” said Rob Anderson, Manager of State Government Relations for the Michigan Farm Bureau. “We thank the House for delivering common-sense action, and now we need the Senate to follow suit. We are counting on leaders in Lansing to helpensure that when these changes go into effect, rural employers and employees retain appropriate flexibility, strong compensation packages and the ability to keep growing the rural economy.”
The letter echoes calls from other sectors for common-sense legislative action that restores certainty and a workable framework for businesses, prior to the ESTA changes entering into effect. The farming and rural business groups asked that the Michigan Legislature make the following changes:
The agricultural organizations noted their letter adds to calls from many other sectors of Michigan’s economy for legislators to act on this important issue, as it will impact businesses in virtually every corner of our state.
Members of the Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA), a trade association representing nearly 300 companies spanning the food and agriculture value chain, named John Tilt with Vita Plus Corporation as the organization’s 2025 Chairman. The Association named additional new officers and Board members at its annual business meeting January 8.
“The Michigan Agri-Business Association strengthens relationships in Michigan agriculture to advance our entire industry, and I am proud to help lead it,” said Tilt. “Working together, we can ensure MABA continues to be a dependable resource – and strong voice – for Michigan agriculture.”
“I am excited to continue our important work alongside John Tilt and our entire MABA Board in 2025,” said MABA President Chuck Lippstreu. “This is a group of professionals committed to ensuring MABA is a world-class organization. I appreciate them for stepping up to lead.”
Tilt is the General Manager of Vita Plus’s feed and grain facilities in Michigan, and is a Michigan State University graduate with degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Economics. He also serves on his Township Planning Commission, County Economic Development Corporation Board, is a member of the advisory committee for MSU AgBioResearch, and has served for nearly eight years on the MABA Board. Tilt is a Global War on Terrorism combat veteran. He and his wife Barbie, a retired middle/high school teacher, have one daughter, Allie. She is in her 3rd year at Michigan State University, studying Animal Science.
MABA officers for 2025 will be:
In addition, the following leaders were elected to newly serve on the MABA Board:
A complete list of MABA Board members can be viewed here.
MABA Members and Michigan Agriculture Partners,
I want to take a moment to say thank you for your support and participation throughout 2024. I am proud of the results we achieved, working together:
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