Groups that make up Agricultural Leaders of Michigan (ALM) spoke out on National Ag Day, March 19, to spotlight skyrocketing labor costs facing farms and call on Congress to pass the Supporting Farm Operations Act (H.R. 7046). The legislation, introduced by Congressman John Moolenaar, addresses high labor costs facing Michigan farmers by freezing the wage rate for migrant farm workers, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), until the end of 2025. Chuck Lippstreu, president of Michigan Agri-Business Association, said farmers’ success translates to success for other businesses on the food value chain, and approval of H.R. 7046 is important under the current circumstances. “Agriculture remains a leading economic engine for Michigan, but the rapid increase in the AEWR threatens the viability of some farms in our state, especially labor-intensive fruit and vegetable operations,” Lippstreu said. “It’s critical that Congress pass the Supporting Farm Operations Act without delay, to provide growers with certainty going forward. This legislation will strengthen the broader agricultural economy in our state.” Go here to read comments from other leading Michigan agricultural organizations.
