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Michigan Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hears needs of food and ag sectors

Members of Michigan’s food and ag industry are advocating the benefits of a $1.4 billion supplemental funding bill for agriculture.

Michigan Farm Bureau President Carl Bednarski tells Brownfield the pandemic brought to light where major gaps in the food system exist and Senate Bill 885 would find efficiencies for Michigan commodities throughout the supply chain.

“It’s a big issue and this bill identifies that as one-time money to try to fix those kinds of issues that we know are there right now,” he says.

Jonh John Van Fossen, who testified on behalf of Meijer during Thursday’s appropriations subcommittee hearing says if barriers can be addressed there will be added demand for local food and ag products.

“If you grow more Meijer, SpartanNash, and a lot of other assets you have in the state will buy it, and then we’ll sell it, and we’ll be able to sell the product which will be fresher and cheaper for your constituents and consumers in the state of Michigan,” he says.

Other industry leaders identified areas of infrastructure, processing, and talent that could be expanded with the funding.

The legislation will continue to be reviewed by the Michigan Senate.