June 28, 2021 — MABA reminds our members that the extended deadline for RUP certification is approaching on June 30, 2021, which is this Wednesday!
MDARD had previously extended RUP certifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have been operating with an expired credential (i.e. a credential with an expiration date of December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2020), the license will need to be renewed by the end of June. While your credential may take some time to process, once your application (including passing exam scores or sufficient RUP class credits) and check are received by the Department, and the check is processed, your renewal will be treated as valid.
In addition to ensuring you are up to speed with your own credentials, it will be important to avoid selling restricted products to those with an expired applicator license. Because there is an ongoing delay on processing applications and issuing physical license cards, MDARD provided this guidance for RUP dealers on this issue:
Restricted use pesticide dealers should verify the certification status of the person purchasing RUPs by checking the expiration date on the certification card. Dealers needing assistance with verifying the certification status of a person purchasing RUPs may contact MDARD at 800-292-3939.
Applicators who have renewed their certification by exam or seminar credits but do not receive their certification card by June 30 may purchase a RUP by providing exam result sheets with a passing score (70 percent or better) or seminar completion record (16 credits for private core / eight credits for commercial core and each category / two credits for fumigation), a copy of the completed certification renewal application, and a copy of the check or money order sent in as the application fee.
Contact MDARD or MABA with questions.
Agribusinesses: Bipartisan climate legislation is good news for Michigan agriculture, rewards agricultural innovation
LANSING, Mich. (June 24, 2021) – Following U.S. Senate passage of the Growing Climate Solutions Act, Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu today issued the following statement:
“Today’s strong bipartisan approval of the Growing Climate Solutions Act in the U.S. Senate recognizes and rewards climate solutions being delivered every day by our nation’s farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities.
Senate approval of the Growing Climate Solutions Act is especially positive news here in Michigan. The incredible diversity of agricultural production in Michigan also makes our sector vulnerable to a wide array of risks posed by climate change. At the same time, our state is home to a long history of agricultural innovation, thinking ahead and meeting challenges head-on. The Growing Climate Solutions Act supports what we do best in Michigan: developing and deploying new solutions to keep agriculture going strong. It will position our Michigan agriculture sector to help overcome a generational challenge, while unlocking potential new market opportunities.
We appreciate Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Mike Braun for leading the way on this bipartisan proposal that values the innovative mindset and entrepreneurial spirit of our agriculture sector in the fight against climate change. Michigan agriculture will benefit from this measure, and we are hopeful it will be taken up and approved by the U.S. House as soon as possible.”
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June 2, 2021 — A diverse community of agricultural and conservation organizations today announced their support for Senate Bill 494, a proposal introduced by Senator Kevin Daley to continue the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and renew fees paid by farmers and agribusinesses to support the program.
Approximately 3,500 Michigan farms have completed nearly 6,000 on-farm verifications through MAEAP. MAEAP is an innovative, proactive program that for more than 20 years has helped farms of all sizes and commodities voluntarily reduce agricultural pollution risks through education and on-farm assistance.
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June 3, 2021 — Governor Gretchen Whitmer this week announced a new move to help bridge the digital divide by establishing the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) to make high-speed internet more affordable and accessible.
Governor Whitmer announced the new office at the Dick & Sandy Dauch Club, part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. MABA President Chuck Lippstreu joined the event to highlight the importance of high-speed internet for Michigan’s rural communities.
“Bridging the digital divide is a critical need for our state’s rural communities, Main Street businesses and agriculture sector, and we appreciate Governor Whitmer’s commitment to ensure state government is unified in its approach to tackling this challenge,” said Lippstreu. “We look forward to working with the new Office of High-Speed Internet to share agriculture’s unique perspective and do our part to connect Michigan.”
The full announcement on this topic is here.
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