Issues lobbied + lobbyists (7)
IMM — Immigration
Michigan Farm Bureau continues to advocate for a long-term solution to our agricultural workforce needs. We continue to communicate to Congress on the out-of-control growth in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) and challenges with the H-2A visa program. We are also concerned with a few recent rules from the Biden Administration and shared those concerns with Congress. Michigan Farm Bureau communicated with Congress in opposition to the last administrations Department of Labors rule regarding the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants (Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor, Docket Number ETA-2021-0006). The rule neglects to account for the fact that farm job descriptions often include many different responsibilities not just one role as the rule assumes. MFB is urging Congress to undue these rulemakings. MFB is also supporting H.R. 1624 the Supporting Farm Operations Act introduced by Rep. John Moolenaar. The bill would pause the AEWR at the 2023 level thru the end of 2026.
Government entities lobbied: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; SENATE
AGR — Agriculture
Michigan Farm Bureau continues to advocate for the 2026 Farm Bill to be completed on time. Our priorities for the bill include: Increase baseline funding commitments to farm programs (reference price increase, commodity loan rates) as they have not kept up with inflation Maintain a unified, bipartisan farm bill which includes nutrition programs and farm programs together Prioritize funding for risk management tools which include both federal crop insurance and commodity programs (ARC, PLC, DMC) Ensure adequate USDA staffing capacity and technical assistance Maintain funding for voluntary, working lands conservation programs. Support trade promotion programs like Foreign Market Development (FMD) and Market Assistance Program (MAP) Ensuring adequate funding for the specialty crop industry with emphasis on fundamental research, marketing & promotion, and pest management programs Funding for ag research and education Support addressing interstate commerce issues impacting the livestock and poultry industry
Government entities lobbied: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; SENATE
TRD — Trade (domestic/foreign)
Michigan Farm Bureau continues to advocate for new trade opportunities that would allow for U.S. farmers to find and grow markets across the globe, including a FTA with the United Kingdom. In addition, we seek a fair and level playing field for farmers that face pressure from unfair, foreign competition - especially our specialty crop sector. We continue to advocate for options for farmers to tools in place for these industries to take cases against foreign countries when we believe they are not playing by the rules. Our trade negotiation objectives include: All agricultural products and policies in the negotiations Eliminate non-tariff trade barriers Ensure market access for biotechnology products Address issues concerning import-sensitive products Oppose the Precautionary Principle Oppose the use of geographic indicators
Government entities lobbied: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; SENATE; U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
CHM — Chemicals/Chemical Industry
Michigan Farm Bureau advocated to Congress for reforms to the regulatory system, specifically updates to how agricultural chemistries are reviewed and approved. Farmers need a regulatory system that is fair, transparent, adheres to the will of Congress, takes economic impact into account, and respects our freedoms Crop protection tools go through a rigorous process to get to market and are regularly reviewed by the manufacturers and government agencies Farmers now face additional uncertainty due to EPA's new requirements to do more to prevent endangered species impacts from pesticides Farm Bureau policy supports: Use of sound science in rulemaking Coordination between USDA and EPA on regulations affecting agriculture Estimating the cost and benefits of regulations Ensuring transparency in the rulemaking process Vigorous congressional oversight Litigation reform Funding for IR4 bio-pesticide research program for minor crops MFB supported the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act. The bill would reaffirm FIFRAs standard that the EPA is the single authority on pesticide labeling and packaging requirements. The bill ensures the EPA doesnt take any action, including approving label requirements, contradictory to the agencys science-based views. The Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act will provide certainty to producers and consumers, ensuring the tools supporting the agriculture industry and food supply chain remain safe and available. The bill would preempt states from imposing their own labeling requirements.
Government entities lobbied: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA); Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; SENATE
BUD — Budget/Appropriations
Michigan Farm Bureau continues to advocate for the 2026 Farm Bill to be completed on time. Our priorities for the bill include: Increase baseline funding commitments to farm programs (reference price increase, commodity loan rates) as they have not kept up with inflation Maintain a unified, bipartisan farm bill which includes nutrition programs and farm programs together Prioritize funding for risk management tools which include both federal crop insurance and commodity programs (ARC, PLC, DMC) Ensure adequate USDA staffing capacity and technical assistance Maintain funding for voluntary, working lands conservation programs. Support trade promotion programs like Foreign Market Development (FMD) and Market Assistance Program (MAP) Ensuring adequate funding for the specialty crop industry with emphasis on fundamental research, marketing & promotion, and pest management programs Funding for ag research and education Support addressing interstate commerce issues impacting the livestock and poultry industry
Government entities lobbied: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; SENATE
TAR — Tariff (miscellaneous tariff bills)
Discussed with Members of Congress the impact and opportunities of tariffs on Michigan's Agriculture Sector.
Government entities lobbied: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; SENATE
FOO — Food Industry (safety, labeling, etc.)
Discussed potential changes to federal nutrition guidelines on behalf of MFB.
Government entities lobbied: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; SENATE