LANSING, Mich. – Leading Michigan farm and agribusiness organizations today emphasized their strong support for legislation passed by the Michigan Senate that keeps important environmental programs funded and in place for years to come. Senate Bill (SB) 273, introduced by Senator Kevin Daley and cosponsored by a bipartisan group of 14 Michigan Senators, extends the statutory sunset on key agricultural fees, including fertilizer sales and pesticide registration fees. It ensures the fees will continue to be collected, at their current levels, after the existing sunset date of December 31, 2025. Leaders of four statewide agriculture organizations issued the following joint statement: “Safeguarding the land and water in our state is a top priority for Michigan farmers and all those in the agriculture industry, so we strongly support SB 273, which will continue existing industry fees in support of key agricultural stewardship programs.These long-standing fees provide critical support for the statewide, voluntary activities of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). Nationally recognized as an innovative and proactive program, MAEAP allows farms of all sizes, regardless of commodities, to focus on practices meant to prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks.At a time when the agriculture industry is navigating substantial economic uncertainty, we are appreciative that SB 273 maintains fees at their current levels, avoiding new costs on Michigan farmers and agricultural businesses.We thank the bipartisan cosponsors of this legislation, especially Senator Kevin Daley and Senator John Cherry, for their engagement with Michigan agriculture and their thoughtful leadership.” The statement is signed by: Ben LaCross, President, Michigan Farm Bureau Chuck Lippstreu, President, Michigan Agri-Business Association Scott Piggott, Executive Director, Michigan Corn Growers Association Ben Steyer, CEO, Michigan Soybean Association # # #
