Agriculture

Agriculture is a key component of Michigan’s economy. After all, agriculture is the second largest industry in Michigan and the state is also the second most agriculturally diverse in the country.  During the challenging economic times that have plagued the Michigan economy, the steady growth of our agricultural sector has kept our economy afloat.  To maintain this edge, I believe we must:

Prevent Undue Regulations

The safety of our food supply can benefit from standard rules and practices, and our farmers are committed to producing safe and affordable food for consumers.  However, our farmers need to have fair and commonsense rules to live by, and I oppose excessive regulations that hinder the agricultural community like the EPA’s overreaching “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) rule.

In the 114th Congress, I introduced H.R. 1993, the Flexibility to Farm Act, a bill supported by Michigan’s agricultural community which protects farmers from the EPA’s one-size-fits-all approach by entrusting our states with appropriate flexibility to opt-out of overly burdensome regulations. I’ve also heard concerns about the EPA’s covert campaign to promote the WOTUS rule which overstepped federal anti-lobbying rules by using propaganda and grassroots lobbying. To prevent future abuses, I’ve championed legislation to ensure federal agencies do not engage in illegal lobbying. My bipartisan bill, H.R. 1004, the Regulatory Integrity Act, increases transparency in the rulemaking process to prevent future misconduct. It passed the House in March 2017.  

Expand Markets

Not only does south-central Michigan produce a wide array of agricultural products, it produces some of the best.  It is important that we adopt policies that allow our farmers and producers to look outside our region and beyond to sell food and agricultural products.  By advancing trade policies that are free, fair, and enforced, we can open new markets for Michigan-made products.

Provide Greater Certainty

Farmers and agricultural producers carefully plan over the long-term to provide our nation and the world with an abundant, healthy food supply. For too long, Congress promoted uncertainty in the countryside through short-term extensions of our agricultural policy. In June 2018, the House passed H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act, which reauthorizes the Farm Bill for five years and makes important updates to our federal farm and nutrition assistance programs. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to ensure the next farm bill provides the certainty that our farmers need to flourish and feed the world. 

Promote Conservation

As agriculture helps to drive Michigan’s economy, we must also encourage responsible stewardship and conservation best practices to help ensure the long-term health of Lake Erie and the entire the Great Lakes ecosystem.  I’ve introduced H.R.3518, the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act, which builds upon Michigan’s successful MAEAP program and encourages states throughout the Great Lakes Basin to develop voluntary agricultural assurance programs to promote conservation and minimize agricultural pollution risks. 

RELATED ITEMS

03/14/18 – Cosponsored: H.R.5275, Agricultural Certainty for Reporting Emissions Act
07/27/17 – Sponsored: H.R. 3518, Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act
04/04/17 – Cosponsored: H.R.1626, Student Agriculture Protection Act
01/24/17 – Cosponsored: H.R. 631, Death Tax Repeal Act
01/10/17 – Cosponsored: H.R. 424, Gray Wolf State Management Act
02/04/16 – Cosponsored: H.Res.591, Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Farm Credit System