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Michigan ag business leader says a refocus on biofuels is needed

The Michigan Agriculture Agri-Business Association says the state’s latest budget showcases values of the administration and a refocus on biofuels is needed.

President Chuck Lippstreu tells Brownfield the governor vetoing a $3 million tax credit passed by the legislature is a missed an opportunity to support farmers and rural communities.

“It would have benefited Michigan farmers by helping to cement strong markets for biofuel made from crops that are grown here on Michigan farms,” he says. “It would have benefited the rural economies. It would have been a pro-environment program. This is a cleaner burning fuel. And importantly, it would have been a pro consumer tax credit.”

Legislators in Michigan’s House Tax Policy Committee have also been reviewing legislation that would incentivize biodiesel while the Senate’s Committee on Energy and the Environment has a bill to provide tax credits for a business’s in-state purchase of sustainable aviation fuel for flights under review.

“We hope going forward that policymakers will refocus on the benefits of biofuels, whether it’s ethanol or biodiesel or sustainable aviation fuel and work together with industry to be sure that Michigan is not left behind,” Lippstreu says.

Lippstreu says some new and reoccurring funding for other key issues did receive support for the next fiscal year.

He points to climate resilience research, conservation, highly pathogenic avian influenza efforts, and connecting Michigan’s diverse ag production throughout the supply chain as wins for agriculture.

AUDIO: Chuck Lippstreu, Michigan Agriculture Agri-Business Association