LANSING, MI (June 23, 2022) – Michigan farm and biofuel advocates urged swift action following today’s hearing of the Michigan Senate Agriculture Committee on legislation expanding access to lower-cost fuel blends produced with renewable energy from Michigan farms. Introduced by Sen. Kevin Daley (R-Lum), 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.
“Ethanol is one of the most important markets for Michigan-grown corn,” said Jeff Sandborn, a farmer from Portland, Michigan who testified on behalf of the Michigan Corn Growers Association. “Policies that increase the use of E15 and E85 help family farmers like me stay profitable while providing for cheaper, cleaner fuel for Michigan consumers. I appreciate Senator Daley’s support of Michigan’s farmers and I hope that the legislature will move forward with this bill.”
“As we work toward a zero-emission transportation future, we cannot leave clean fuel solutions on the table,” said Jane McCurry, Executive Director of Clean Fuels Michigan. “Increased E15 use creates good-paying blue-collar jobs in our communities. Passage of SB 814 will help add nearly $530 million to Michigan’s GDP and boost household income by $165 million. Clean Fuels Michigan urges the Senate Agriculture members to act quickly to move this bill out of committee.”
“The Michigan Farmers Union is proud to support Senator Daley’s bill to boost Michigan biofuels and expand clean options at the pump,” said Bob Thompson, President of the Michigan Farmers Union. “Expanded access to E15 in Michigan could drive millions in fuel savings, protect our climate, and expand opportunities for family farmers working to create energy security right here at home.”
“The Michigan Agri-Business Association is happy to see the Senate Agriculture Committee take up Senate Bill 814,” said Chuck Lippstreu, President of Michigan Agri-Business Association, “Approval of this legislation can provide relief for Michigan motorists facing skyrocketing costs at the pump and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. We encourage swift passage of SB 814 out of Committee and on to the Senate floor for a full vote.”
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 month, supporters sent a letter encouraging House and Senate leaders to move forward on the bill in light of surging gasoline costs amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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The Michigan Agri-Business Association and the MABA Educational Trust appreciate all those who joined this year’s Scholarship Golf Outing at The Pohlcat Golf Course and the Mount Pleasant Country Club in Mt. Pleasant, MI, held on June 21! We were joined by more than 175 golfers to support the Educational Trust. Following are our Hole Sponsors and silent auction contributors for this special event.
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LANSING (June 14, 2022) — Michigan Agri-Business President Chuck Lippstreu today issued the following statement on U.S. House approval of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act on last night’s strong bipartisan vote:
“U.S. House approval of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act is a critical step that will help clear the way for exports of Michigan agricultural products. Agricultural exports are a bright spot for Michigan’s economy, but our industry continues to face unprecedented delays and denied bookings on container ships that transport our products across the globe. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act will hold big ocean carrier companies accountable for their unfair practices. We appreciate lawmakers of both parties for coming together to send this common-sense legislation to President Biden’s desk.”
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Lansing (June 13, 2022) — Leaders of 34 farming, food and agribusiness organizations today called on state lawmakers to invest in a resilient agricultural economy in Michigan. In a letter to members of the Michigan House and Senate, agricultural leaders noted federal relief funds and a state General Fund surplus provide a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to strengthen and grow Michigan agriculture.
Click here to read the full letter.
“Your constituents and our Michigan communities statewide continue to face hardships caused by supply chain issues and empty grocery store shelves, with shortages and delays everywhere,” the leaders wrote. “The situation we are experiencing has been building for decades, and only further compounded by the pandemic. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to — together — make a transformational difference for Michigan consumers through support of advancements within the food and agriculture system.”
The leaders identified targeted investments across several priority areas including rural infrastructure; agricultural worker housing; worker certification; food security and distribution; protein processing and beyond.
The following organizations signed the letter to Michigan House and Senate leaders:
“Michigan farmers are some of the best in the world at feeding our families, protecting our environment, boosting our economy and creating good jobs,” said Carl Bednarski, President of the Michigan Farm Bureau. “We need to support and enhance their efforts, and those of critical partners like rural agricultural businesses, processors, food retailers and distributors who work together to help get healthy food to tables around the world.”
“Our agriculture industry continues to navigate a labor crisis and historic supply chain challenges,” said Chuck Lippstreu, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “We are calling on lawmakers to seize this historic opportunity to invest in modern rural infrastructure, get skilled workers back on the job and position our Michigan agriculture industry for success. We simply can’t afford not to act.”
“Michigan agriculture is known for our innovation and our entrepreneurial spirit, but new investment is critically needed to maximize our success,” said Dave Armstrong, President and CEO of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. “As our state leaders allocate substantial new, one-time investments to spark economic opportunity across Michigan, our message is clear: Keep Michigan agriculture growing.”
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