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.
MABA was pleased to welcome grain industry professionals to Lansing on Thursday, March 7 for the 2024 Grain Grading Seminar.
This year’s program was once again led by the expert trainers at North Dakota Grain Inspection (NDGI), who reviewed the overall federal grain inspection system and standards for properly evaluating corn, wheat and soybeans. The strong participation from across the industry demonstrates MABA members’ interest in applying standards in a uniform way – a benefit for all of Michigan agriculture!
We plan to continue hosting this annual event in March, and states across the upper Midwest host grain grading seminars throughout the year. Contact the MABA office if you are interested in learning about additional seminar opportunities.
Welcome to March, and Michigan Food and Agriculture Month! Your team at MABA has been hard at work early this year to advance the Association, and grow Michigan agriculture.
Here are a few photos from our activities during the past several weeks, plus a communications update and what to expect from MABA coming up!
Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu recently joined Michigan Chamber of Commerce CEO Jim Holcomb and Michigan Farm Bureau President Carl Bednarski for a wide-ranging conversation about Michigan’s agriculture sector.
Recorded in late 2023, the Michigan Matters Podcast episode was posted March 1, in concert with the beginning of Food and Agriculture Month in Michigan. You can listen here.
Here are a few key points and comments from Lippstreu during the episode. This is an automatic transcript lightly edited by MABA.
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