Key Issues Facing Michigan Farmers

The Republican-controlled House Agriculture Committee recently passed its version of a farm bill, while Senate Democrats, led by Senator Debbie Stabenow, are still working on their version, which aims to include funding for crop insurance and climate impact mitigation. Stabenow has criticized the House bill for proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and climate conservation efforts. She hopes for a farm bill before her term ends but not at any cost. Ben Lilliston of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy highlighted an unusually large divide over the bill, predicting a low chance of resolving disagreements soon and suggesting an extension of the current bill might be more likely.
Michigan farmers are particularly concerned about labor costs, with a significant reliance on the H-2A program for seasonal workers and facing high wage rates mandated by federal policies. U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar has proposed freezing these wage rate hikes, a move met with mixed reactions.
Specialty crop support and farmer-friendly trade policies are also key issues. Michigan, known for its diverse agricultural output, benefits from federal support for specialty crops like fruits and vegetables. Farmers hope this support continues, along with favorable trade policies to help expand market opportunities and protect against cheap imports.