Issues That Matter
Michigan Farm Bureau’s positions and actions are based on organizational policies adopted by members annually at the local, state and national levels. Every member has an opportunity to participate and voice concerns about issues important to their farm and Michigan’s food and agriculture industry.
Following are several briefs to help you become familiar with our current areas of focus.
Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program
Farm Bureau supports proactive, voluntary efforts on farms to promote environmental stewardship and minimize potential pollution risks through programs like the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). We support continued funding and growth of MAEAP, through which farmers receive technical assistance for adopting and strengthening conservation practices and risk mitigation plans.
Labor Reform
We support legislative reform that provides short- and long-term access to a legal and stable agricultural workforce. Reform must address a solution for the current workforce and an updated guest worker program that will provide a future flow of agricultural workers for seasonal and year-round positions.
Right to Farm
Farm Bureau supports Michigan’s Right to Farm Act, which provides nuisance protection that allows all sectors of commercial agriculture to utilize existing and new technologies through adoption of generally accepted management practices. Our member-developed policy states the law should not be weakened or jeopardized by including practices that are not integral or directly related to farming.
Infrastructure
We support efforts to enhance our state’s infrastructure including energy expansion, broadband access and transportation network improvements. Many farms and agricultural businesses are in underserved areas and lack adequate broadband and natural gas access, which can inhibit growth—as can roads and bridges that are in poor condition or closed.
Trade
Farm Bureau continuously works to defend and expand trade opportunities for Michigan agriculture. We advocate for fair and open trade and support initiatives that: open new markets or expand existing ones, assist producers impacted by retaliatory tariffs, eliminate non-tariff trade barriers, protect farmers from unfair trade practices and more.
Regulatory Reform
We support rulemaking process reforms to ensure that federal regulations are supported by science and created transparently, while identifying opportunities that improve farmers’ ability to remain productive and competitive.
Climate
Our policy supports voluntary, incentive-based tools and technical assistance to help maximize carbon sequestration and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This includes private sector greenhouse gas markets, incentives for climate-smart practices, incentives for energy savings and on-farm energy production, and other tools that promote economic prosperity for our members.
