Michigan Agri-Business Association Thanks Lawmakers for Bipartisan, Bicameral Sustainable Aviation Fuel Proposal

SB235-236 and HB4424-4425 will help meet Michigan’s clean energy goals, spark rural economic opportunity

May 1, 2025 – Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) President Chuck Lippstreu today issued the following statement of support for Senate Bills 235-236, and House Bills 4424-4425:

“These bipartisan bills will ensure Michigan is a go-to source for clean fuels to meet growing demand from America’s air carriers, and just as important, they will fuel a stronger rural economy that starts with Michigan farmers and Main Street businesses. We thank House Agriculture Committee Chairman Jerry Neyer, as well as State Senators Sam Singh and Joseph Bellino, for this thoughtful strategy that will spark rural economic growth, help meet Michigan’s clean energy goals, and capitalize on a rapidly-emerging market opportunity for Sustainable Aviation Fuel.”

The bills were introduced in the Michigan Senate by Senator Sam Singh and Senator Joseph Bellino; and in the Michigan House by Representative Jerry Neyer. The legislation would provide a $1.50-per-gallon tax credit for those who purchase, produce, or blend sustainable aviation fuel. The credit is designed to directly support farmers and the businesses that develop and supply cleaner-burning, ethanol-derived aviation fuels.

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MABA joins Michigan, U.S. agriculture groups in standing up for Atrazine

In recent days, the Michigan Agri-Business Association weighed in with comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding its revised proposal on Atrazine use. While MABA acknowledges the EPA’s efforts to address previous concerns expressed by industry, significant issues remain, including the continued use in the review of flawed scientific studies that were not reviewed by the EPA’s Scientific Advisory Panel.

“[Under the revised assessment], mitigation would be required across a much greater percentage of Michigan and U.S. corn acres than necessary,” wrote MABA President Chuck Lippstreu. “We echo the concerns of many in agriculture that even with an expanded mitigation menu, not all practices will work for all farms, and as proposed, this new measure would hamstring both the industry’s economic success and its stewardship efforts.”

Atrazine has been a critical, proven tool for Michigan farmers for over six decades, supported by thousands of studies demonstrating its safety. It plays a vital role in supporting economic success and farmer-led stewardship. This formal comment is one step in MABA’s overall effort to promote sound science- and risk-based regulatory policies for pesticide use.

Read MABA’s comment here. Formal comments from other Michigan agricultural organizations can be viewed at these links:

Comment from the Michigan Corn Growers Association

Comment from the Michigan Farm Bureau

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Update for Michigan agriculture stakeholders on trade and tariffs

Updated April 3, 2025 | 6:00 AM

The Michigan Agri-Business Association continues to receive various inquiries from our members about potential tariffs.

MABA is sharing regular updates as a service to our members and interested partners. This message primarily concerns potential tariffs on USMCA partners.

Current Update on Tariffs – April 3

In summary, President Trump announced on April 2 that the U.S. will enact a baseline 10% tariff on all imports, and enact various higher duties on select countries. A chart of these tariffs can be found at this link. The White House issued a fact sheet on the President’s announcement, which is here.

For Canada and Mexico, there are not major changes versus what was already enacted last month. The policies enacted last month remain in effect. In other words, goods from Mexico and Canada that comply with the USMCA trade agreement are largely exempt, except for auto exports and steel and aluminum which fall under separate tariff policies.

Additional updates and resources were sent to MABA members on April 3. Refer to the AgFacts for more.

MABA’s position on trade and tariffs:

  • MABA and our members support the maintenance and expansion of international markets that are key for the agricultural industry.
  • We echo the sentiments our national organization partners expressed to the White House on April 2.
  • Tariffs (or resulting retaliatory measures) affecting agriculture and related industries, especially those potentially enacted against or by USMCA partners, will have substantial economic consequences here in Michigan.
  • As a border state and major North American trade and transit hub, Michigan deeply values our strong two-way trading relationship with Canada. Michigan is a top agricultural exporter to Canada, our #1 export destination for agricultural and food product exports. Michigan also relies on open trade with Canada for key inbound products, including crop nutrients, feed ingredients and beyond.
  • Mexico is Michigan agriculture’s #2 export destination and key agricultural industries in Michigan have forged lasting, long-term commercial ties in Mexico. Retaliation could disrupt current and future market opportunities and open the door to international competitors.

Resources on Tariff Compliance

Amid tariff discussion in recent weeks, some MABA members have asked operational questions about compliance with tariffs. U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers several introductory resources on this topic which may prove useful in the future:

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MABA joins national industry advocacy on proposed Sec. 301 port fees

The Michigan Agri-Business Association is actively engaged in advocacy related to proposed new port fees that would increase costs for agricultural exporters and importers. This week, the Association joined two national-level efforts to provide information to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on this important topic.

USTR has proposed a new set of penalties under Section 301 trade authority, including additional fees on China-built vessels. If implemented, these fees would disproportionately impact agricultural industry shippers, both by affecting shipping cost and availability for key inputs and disrupting export logistics.

While the effort is well-intentioned and aims to support the U.S. shipbuilding industry, we share the concerns of the broader agricultural and business community that these fees would harm U.S. exporters, increase costs for farmers, and reduce our industry’s ability to compete in global markets. The proposed changes could also add new layers of complexity to an already strained supply chain.

MABA will continue advocating on behalf of Michigan’s agricultural industry and working alongside national partners to oppose policies that could disrupt trade and increase costs for our members.

For more information on this issue, please contact the MABA team.