MABA frequently weighs in with the Michigan Legislature, state departments of jurisdiction, Congress and the Administration regarding issues facing our industry. Recent letters, testimony and related updates are available here:

  • June 4, 2024 | Support for HB 5056 and 5058, 4-H Foundation Registration Plates
    These two bills, sponsored by House Agriculture Chair Reggie Miller and Rep. Matthew Bierlein, would make a new fundraising specialty license plate available for Michigan residents, and ultimately raise money for the 4-H Foundation. The bills are now up for consideration by the Michigan Senate and MABA sent this letter to the Senate supporting them.

  • May 15, 2024 | Support for HB4847, Biodiesel Tax Credit
    MABA continues to support efforts in the Michigan Legislature to incentivize the production and use of clean-burning, biobased fuels. At a meeting of the Michigan House Tax Policy Committee, we registered support for HB4847, which would provide a tax credit to retailers for the sale of various biodiesel fuels.

  • April 9, 2024 | Opposition to SB 645, Applicator Notification Registry
    MABA opposed SB 645 in a Senate committee hearing. This legislation would make applications of lawn, ornamental and mosquito pesticides more complicated, costly and time-consuming in Michigan. The legislation expands the reach of an existing state registry of individuals who require prior notification of a lawn or ornamental pesticide application, including eliminating the need for an individual to obtain a medical opinion to be added to it, and greatly expanding notification boundaries. MABA opposes the bill because it rejects the input of trained medical professionals, and adds complexity for pest control applicators who provide a critical service, with no basis in science.

  • March 14, 2024 | Support for Michigan SB447, Sustainable Aviation Fuels Promotion
    Senate Bill 447 would enact a credit for those who purchase, produce, and/or blend Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). MABA sent a letter of support to the Michigan Senate Committee on Energy and Environment regarding this legislation. We also registered our support of the legislation at a Committee hearing. View MABA’s letter on SAF here.

  • March 12, 2024 | Support for Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program in the FY25 Michigan Budget
    MABA attended a hearing of the Michigan House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee to support the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program, a partnership widely supported by industry that’s aimed at addressing long-term ag challenges related to climate change and water. Learn more about the partnership here.

  • February 15, 2024 | Letter to MDARD Calling for Reactivation of Soil Health Task Force
    MABA joined several partners in calling on the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to restart a Soil Health Task Force. Such a task force was previously convened and would benefit the broader agricultural industry. Read the letter here.

  • January 9, 2024 | 2023 Legislative Results
    Speaking at the 2024 MABA Winter Conference in Lansing, association president Chuck Lippstreu delivered a summary of results achieved in Lansing for MABA members. Key results included maintaining the use of proven innovation and technology in the industry; helping ensure strong logistics chains for freight movement; and supporting investment in cutting-edge agricultural research. Read more here via Brownfield Ag News.

  • November 2023 | Opposition to Renewable Energy Siting Legislation
    In November 2023 the Michigan House and Senate approved, on a partisan basis, legislation that moves siting for renewable energy facilities from local governments to a state regulatory body. MABA strongly opposed this change throughout the legislative process.

    MABA statement on final passage: “This legislation will effectively silence small town voices on an issue with major implications for the future of rural Michigan, and the last-minute amendments added to these bills do not change that impact,” said MABA President Chuck Lippstreu. “Renewable energy siting needs to be deliberate, thoughtful and inclusive of input from local leaders and community members, and we oppose these bills because they disregard the perspectives of rural, agricultural communities in our state.”

    MABA’s letter to the Michigan Legislature on this legislation can be viewed here.