20 Michigan agriculture and agri-business organizations, led by Michigan Farm Bureau, this week requested Gov. Gretchen Whitmer act to provide farmers and timber producers with temporary relief from diesel prices. A letter led by MFB and cosigned by MABA and 18 other organizations requests the Governor to provide 90 days of temporary relief from state restrictions and penalties on the use of nontaxable, dyed diesel fuel in highway vehicles registered for agricultural or forest product use. The letter notes, in part: “Michigan is in the middle of harvest, one of the most important and fuel-intensive times ofthe year for farmers, loggers and the businesses that support them. Farmers andagribusinesses are already facing high input costs, tight margins and continued marketvolatility, while diesel prices have reached record-high levels. Grain trucks, farm trucks,livestock haulers, log trucks and other agricultural and forestry vehicles are moving cropsand products from farms and forests to elevators, processors, storage facilities andmarkets every day.These higher fuel costs extend throughout the agricultural and forestry supply chains.Elevators, processors, trucking operations and other businesses that help move Michigan’scrops and forest products are also facing increased transportation costs, adding furtherpressure during this critical time of year.” If you have questions about this topic, contact Chuck Lippstreu. More discussion of this topic is available from the Michigan Farm News.
