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.
# # #
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
#
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.
Agribusiness leaders and state officials join together to emphasize safe grain handling: “We all have a piece in this.”
LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) and the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today emphasized the importance of safe grain handling practices ahead of Stand Up for Grain Safety Week. This annual initiative, scheduled for March 24-28, 2025 brings the agricultural industry together to focus on preventing grain handling-related injuries and fatalities.
“Every year, serious injuries and even fatalities occur in grain storage and handling operations. This week is a reminder that safety should always be a top priority,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “We want Michigan’s ag industry to continue to drive economic and rural prosperity, and ensuring everyone working with grain is taking necessary steps for a safe return home each night plays a big role in that success.”
“Grain handlers across our state fuel the strong momentum of Michigan’s agricultural industry and Stand Up For Grain Safety Week supports their daily efforts to make safety a top priority,” said MABA President Chuck Lippstreu. “We thank our members across Michigan for continuing to make safety the number-one priority every day.”
READ MORE
© 2026 Michigan Agri-Business Association - All rights reserved.
