The second half of the 99th Michigan Legislature is well underway with the first quarter of the year bringing budget conversations, committee hearings and numerous bill introductions. Let’s look at some proposals under consideration with impacts to the state’s agriculture sector and ties to Michigan Farm Bureau’s (MFB) member-developed policy:
Beginning farmer tax credit
Sponsored by Sen. Kim LaSata, Senate Bill 697 would create a tax credit program for those meeting the definition of beginning farmer. The refundable credit would be applied to an established farmer who rents or allows purchase of any agricultural asset. The beginning farmer would need to meet certain financial requirements, provide projected earnings statements, and be responsible for most of the day-to-day work and management of the farm.
MFB supports the legislation that awaits consideration by the full Senate after passing the Senate Finance Committee on March 3. Watch MFB’s Young Farmer Chair Mitch Kline’s testimony.
Related: Legislation seeks farmland incentives for new Michigan farmers
Agriculture funding
Senate Bill 885, introduced by Sen. Roger Victory, would allocate one-time supplemental funds for programs involving food security, education workforce and talent development, and rural development and agriculture infrastructure. The funds are made available through federal COVID-19 stimulus relief. MFB supports the legislation that awaits consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Watch MFB President Carl Bednarski and Jackson County Farm Bureau VP Chris Sanford’s testimony before the Senate Ag Appropriations subcommittee.
Related: SB 885 to ‘jump-start’ ag industry, create opportunities
House Bill 5671 and House Bill 5704, sponsored by Reps. Julie Alexander and Annette Glenn respectively, would allow for cottage food products to be sold by internet or mail order or be delivered by a third-party food delivery platform. The bills also increase the maximum annual net sales a cottage food operation can have to $40,000. MFB supports the legislation that passed the House on March 23 by a vote of 61-44. View how individual legislators voted on HB 5671 and HB 5704. The bills await consideration by the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Certificates of free sale
House Bills 5742-5748 would codify current practices and fees charged by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for issuing certificates of free sale. Often called a “Certificate for Export” or “Certificate to Foreign Governments,” a certificate of free sale is used as evidence that certain goods, like food items, are legally sold or distributed in the open market and approved by U.S. regulatory authorities.
Farm Bureau supports the bill package that unanimously passed the House on March 23 and awaits consideration by the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Drain maintenance and repair
Introduced by Sen. Kevin Daley, Senate Bill 864 would increase the limit on drainage maintenance and repair assessments from $5,000 to $10,000 per mile, with a similar increase in the maximum annual assessment from $2,500 to $5,000 per mile. MFB supports the bill that awaits consideration by the Senate Local Government Committee.
Pesticide applicators
House Bill 5700, sponsored by Rep. Sarah Lightner, would allow for reciprocal agreements between Michigan and other states or federal agencies for aerial pesticide application. Farm Bureau supports the legislation that awaits consideration by the House Agriculture Committee.
Resolutions
Note: House and Senate resolutions do not carry the weight of law but do highlight a united message by elected officials, often in recognition of a specific issue or event.
FFA Week
Sponsored by Rep. Sarah Lightner, House Resolution 234 declared Feb. 19-26 as FFA Week. MFB supported the resolution adopted by the House on Feb. 17. Watch: FFA members experience Legislative Day in Lansing
Agriculture
Sponsored by Rep. Julie Alexander, House Resolution 258 declared Mar. 21-27 as Agriculture Week. MFB supported the resolution adopted by the House on Mar. 22. Watch: Celebrating Michigan agriculture from A to Z
Fertilizer prices and shortages
House Resolution 205, introduced by Rep. Steve Carra, is a resolution to encourage Congress, federal agencies and state departments to address the ongoing fertilizer price increases and shortages affecting Michigan farmers. Farm Bureau supports the resolution that has been referred to the House Agriculture Committee for consideration.
Wolf hunting
Senate Concurrent Resolution 7, introduced by Sen. Ed McBroom, urges the Natural Resources Commission to authorize the Department of Natural Resources to include hunting and trapping as part of the state’s wolf management efforts. MFB supports the resolution adopted by the House on Feb. 8 and now awaits a concurrence vote in the Senate.