Farm Bureau engaged as state budget negotiations continue

As state budget negotiations continue in the legislature, Michigan Farm Bureau continues to advocate for and protect agricultural priorities that align with the organization’s member-developed policy.

The Michigan House and Senate recently approved their respective budget proposals — House Bill 5619 passing 56-51 and Senate Bill 878 passing 19-18 — but both spending plans now head into further negotiations before a final budget agreement is reached.

Michigan Farm Bureau Legislative Counsel Rebecca Park said the proposals reflect the tighter fiscal environment lawmakers anticipated heading into this year’s budget process.

“We expected to see leaner budgets this year following state and federal tax code changes and last year’s road funding package,” Park said. “While revenues came in slightly stronger than expected, lawmakers are still working within constraints, and both chambers have taken different approaches to prioritizing available funding.”

Budget officials recently revised projected revenues upward by roughly $481 million, though the state is still expected to face an estimated $1 billion revenue shortfall. According to Park, the House made reductions largely based on actual spending in prior years while the Senate dipped into the state’s rainy-day fund to offset lost revenue.

Both the House and Senate budgets include support for several agriculture programs but differ significantly.

“Michigan Farm Bureau policy supports strategic investments that strengthen food safety, animal and plant health protection, producer protection, regulatory oversight and market access,” Park said. “As lawmakers continue negotiating, we’ll be focused on ensuring the department’s core inspection, licensing and regulatory programs remain strong and functional so commerce can continue moving efficiently.”

Park also emphasized the importance of maintaining investments in agricultural research.

“Farmers depend on timely research, innovation and science-based information through Extension and AgBioResearch programs to remain competitive and address emerging challenges across the industry,” she said.

Among the similarities, both chambers:

• Maintain support for core Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development operations, though at lower overall funding levels than the current budget
• Include $3 million for the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture, up from $1.5 million
• Continue funding for the 10 Cents a Meal program

The Senate proposal includes:

• An $8 million Michigan Local Food, Farm and Nutrition Programs line item that combines existing funding for Double Up Food Bucks and new funding to help local education agencies promote fresh-food initiatives and scratch-cooking
• A new $4 million Farmer-Owned Meat Processor Grant Program
• $1 million for continued agricultural resiliency efforts through a partnership among industry groups, MDARD and Michigan State University
• A 4% increase for university operations, including MSU Extension and AgBioResearch

The House proposal includes:

• Increasing county fair grants from $500,000 to $3 million
• Additional funding for career and technical education programming
• Reductions to Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program staffing and restricted funding
• A combined $2.2 million reduction for MSU Extension and AgBioResearch and a 7.5% reduction in overall university operations funding
• Elimination of the Craft Beverage Council
• Language requiring the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to annually update and distribute permitting guidebooks
• New language creating permit fee discounts when permit reviews by EGLE exceed statutory or administrative review timelines

MFB Associate Legislative Counsel Josh Scramlin said the permitting-related provisions aim to improve transparency and predictability for farmers and agribusinesses working through the regulatory process.

“Timely permit decisions are important for farmers and agribusinesses making operational and investment decisions,” Scramlin said. “The permitting guidebooks will help producers better navigate regulatory requirements, and the proposed review-time accountability measures are intended to encourage greater efficiency and transparency in the permitting process.”

Final budget negotiations are expected to continue in the coming weeks as lawmakers work toward reaching agreement on spending priorities for the next fiscal year