October 21, 2022 – Throughout October, the Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) has weighed in with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on two critical reviews the agency has undertaken regarding agricultural technology. MABA’s formal comments to the EPA support our members’ efforts to feed and fuel America using safe, approved agricultural technology.
First, in early October MABA joined more than 16,000 U.S. farmers and agribusiness organizations in expressing deep concern on EPA’s proposal to restrict Atrazine use. If enacted, this misguided proposal would effectively take Atrazine off the table for many growers and their ag retail advisors.
MABA President Chuck Lippstreu wrote, “Atrazine is a critical tool used safely by Michigan farmers to control weeds, while safeguarding the future of the environment through sound conservation practices. It represents one of the most cost-effective, safest products available in this regard. Unfortunately, the EPA’s proposal disregards these facts, fails to follow the advice of the agency’s own Scientific Advisory Panel, and if enacted will result in substantial economic harm for Michigan.” Read the MABA comment here.
Many other Michigan interests expressed concern with this proposal, including the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (comment available here) and Michigan Corn (comment available here.)
In addition, last week MABA submitted a comment of support for the reregistration of dicamba as the EPA undertakes its standard, periodic 15 year assessment. You can read the comment here.
We continue to work with partner organizations in Michigan and across America to safeguard our industry’s continued use of safe, proven, effective crop protection technology.
LANSING, MI (September 21, 2022) – The Michigan Agri-Business Association and a range of farm and biofuel advocates testified before the Michigan Tax Policy Committee on Senate-approved legislation that would expand access to lower-cost fuel blends produced with renewable energy from Michigan farms. SB 814 would offer qualifying retailers a tax credit for every gallon sold of higher ethanol blends, including $0.05 per gallon of E15 and $0.085 per gallon of E85.
“One way to help deliver families and small businesses some relief at the pump is to shift from standard E10 gasoline – blended with 10% biofuels – to E15, a renewable fuel blend made with 15% biofuel,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of Michigan Agri-Business Association, during his testimony at today’s hearing. “These fuels are made here in Michigan, using corn produced by Michigan farmers.”
“If stations across Michigan made a full shift to E15, it would add nearly $530 million in Gross Domestic Product to Michigan’s economy and save millions of dollars in fuel costs for families and businesses. That’s not just money back in families’ pockets statewide, it’s economic development for agriculture – funds that will support farm families and the many employees at our member companies who help plant, care for, harvest, and transport crops,” added Lippstreu.
Supporters of the bill include the Michigan Corn Growers Association, Michigan Farmers Union, Michigan Agri-Business Association, Clean Fuels Michigan, Michigan Farm Bureau, POET, Growth Energy, and other leaders in clean energy and agriculture. Earlier this year, supporters sent a letter encouraging House and Senate leaders to move forward on the bill in light of surging gasoline costs.
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LANSING, Mich. (September 15, 2022) – Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) President Chuck Lippstreu issued the following statement on news that rail union leaders and freight rail carriers reached an agreement to avoid a rail worker strike:
“This agreement is good news for rural Michigan and our agriculture sector. A freight rail shutdown would have been devastating for Michigan agriculture during the fall harvest season, and we applaud all parties for coming together in good faith at the negotiating table to secure an agreement and avert further service disruptions.
We also appreciate the hard work of federal leaders, including Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, to help avert a devastating freight rail shutdown.
The strength and stability of the U.S. freight rail system is critical for agriculture, with 25 percent of all U.S. grain moving by rail. As a peninsula, Michigan is especially dependent on freight rail to deliver products to export markets around the world. We look forward to continuing to work together with our member businesses, national partners and policymakers to strengthen the U.S. rail system and help ensure reliable freight rail service for Michigan grain handlers.”
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About the Michigan Agri-Business Association: The Michigan Agri-Business Association is a strong advocate and dedicated resource for Michigan’s food and agriculture sector. The association’s members include ag retailers who provide seed, fertilizer, and crop protection products to farmers; grain handlers; feed suppliers and food processors. Learn more at www.miagbiz.org.
MABA members and supporters are encouraged to save the date for the 2023 Winter Conference and Trade Show, taking place in Lansing on January 10-11, 2023! Here are key points to know about this special industry event, returning for its 90th year:
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