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Michigan Farm Bureau hopeful for legislative wins

A lobbyist with Michigan Farm Bureau says she expects to see support for several bills that would benefit agriculture during this year’s session in Lansing.

Rebecca Park tells Brownfield the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak has increased lawmakers’ attention on ag issues.

“I do think that there is an understanding of how important agriculture is, not only to Michigan’s economy, but also just to the world,” she says.

Park says cottage food law revisions are awaiting committee action.

“Those bills deal with cottage food law updates and modernization, as well as helping our honey and Maple syrup producers come in line with cottage food income expectations,” she explains.

She says the organization supports education policies that could improve funding and credit flexibility for career and technical education programs.

“Some of our students learn so much better when they can do hands-on activities, but they still really understand the basic components of biology or chemistry, but through a hands-on approach,” she shares.

Michigan Farm Bureau will also be focused on renewing legislation to fund the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program in 2025.