Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) is calling on members and supporters to contact state lawmakers and urge passage of a budget that protects critical agriculture programs and avoids putting farm families and consumers at risk.
“Your representatives and senators need to hear from you in the next 24–72 hours,” said MFB Legislative Counsel Rebecca Park. “Amid tough budget negotiations, it’s time to reaffirm agriculture’s priorities.”
Park noted that while careful evaluation of state spending is important, essential agriculture programs must remain intact to safeguard the food supply, protect public health, and keep farms running.
Members can send a message at https://bit.ly/25MIbudget or by texting BUDGET to (855) 374-5673. A prewritten message is provided, but personalized comments are encouraged.
Beyond protecting programs within the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MFB is also urging lawmakers to prioritize funding for Project GREEEN, the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program, and work at MSU Extension and AgBioResearch. Park emphasized that these initiatives are vital to keeping farmers competitive and innovative.
The organization is also seeking changes to budget “boilerplate” language — the rules that direct how funds may be used. One concern is a House provision requiring contractors and subcontractors working with certain state agencies to use E-Verify.
“Because many farmers work with these agencies through grants and food programs — and we don’t know how broadly this would apply — we’re asking for this language to be removed,” Park explained.
The constitutional deadline to pass a balanced budget is Oct. 1; failure to do so could trigger a state government shutdown.
“Guided by Farm Bureau policy, our role is to ensure lawmakers understand how these decisions affect Michigan farmers, rural communities, and the entire food and agriculture system,” Park said. “We have a lot on the line. Please take a moment today to contact your legislator and help keep our farmers farming, protect the food supply, and maintain a strong agricultural economy.”