Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist listened to the concerns of farmers during the Kent County Farm Bureau’s Legislative Breakfast at Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery in Grand Rapids on Friday.
As the agriculture industry continues to compete for labor help, farmers say the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ extension, and expansion, of COVID-19 testing requirements for agriculture workers and employees hinders their ability to hire help.
“We try to have the public protocols match the reality of COVID-19,” said Gilchrist. “We recognize that’s its impacted different industries differently. With our ag industry … I know this is critically important. We are going to continue to be in conversation with the Michigan Farm Bureau in how the protocols have evolved — to make sure we understand what the farmers' needs are.”
While Gilchrist didn’t give a timeline if, or when, the testing orders might get rolled back, he said dialogue continues.
According to Ben Tirrell, associate legislative counsel for Michigan Farm Bureau, farmers urgently need labor now.
“There's been a lot of concern with labor supply in the state, as additional federal unemployment benefits have had a serious impact,” Tirrell said. “When you add MDHHS orders that discourage people from working in Michigan agriculture, there is a real concern about being able to get our crops out of the field later in the season.”
Michigan’s House and Senate voted this week to end the $300-per-week federal unemployment supplement, which now awaits action by the governor.
The state’s Legislature is also considering a bill to continue the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), which helps farmers become better stewards of the land through voluntary conservation practices.
Responding to questions about legislation renewing fees that fund the MAEAP program, Gilchrist said farmers understand land stewardship better than most people.
Robinette Farm Manager Allan Robinette said farmers made their concerns heard to Gilchrist.
"Having the lieutenant governor here was excellent since this is the first opportunity to meet with elected officials, face-to-face, in over a year,” Robinette said. “It was good to have our concerns heard, especially when it comes to MAEAP. I was able to touch base with my state senator's staff person on the matter, and she's open to the idea of supporting the legislation.”