This update includes recently introduced bills and those moving through the legislative process. Michigan Farm Bureau’s positions are rooted in the organization’s member-developed policy.
Farmland Preservation Programs
Senate Bills 685–690 and 699 is a bipartisan package of bills aimed at clarifying confusion surrounding farmland enrolled in both the state’s Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program (commonly known as P.A. 116) and permanent conservation easements. The bills would confirm that farmland enrolled in both programs remains eligible for the P.A. 116 income tax credit, restoring long-standing practice that was disrupted following a recent reinterpretation by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Treasury.
Michigan Farm Bureau supports the legislation. The bills were approved unanimously by the House Agriculture Committee on December 11 and now await a vote by the full House.
Read our full update: House poised to act on farmland preservation fix before year-end recess
Contact: Rebecca Park
Honey and Maple Syrup Production
House Bill 4245 and Senate Bill 93—introduced by Rep. Greg Alexander (R-Carsonville) and Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), respectively—seek to create parity for honey and maple syrup producers by allowing them to earn as much as those utilizing the cottage food law, without needing a licensed kitchen. MFB supports both bills. SB 93 passed the House Agriculture Committee on December 11 and awaits a vote by the full House. HB 4245 passed the House 105–3 on April 22 and now awaits consideration by the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Ag Processing Facilities
House Bills 5168–5169, introduced by Reps. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon) and Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville), would create a sales and use tax exemption for agricultural processing facilities making capital investments of at least $100 million. Michigan Farm Bureau supports the legislation as part of its commitment to expanding agricultural processing. The bills await consideration by the House Economic Competitiveness Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Raw Milk
House Bills 5217–5219 would legalize direct farm-to-consumer sales of raw milk and raw dairy products in Michigan by establishing a food co-op model. Michigan Farm Bureau opposes the legislation, which has been referred to the House Government Operations Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
Food Tax Credit Programs
House Bill 5166, sponsored by Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), would create a charitable food tax credit program, reducing a taxpayer’s liability by up to 50% or $10,000, whichever is less. Michigan Farm Bureau supports the legislation as part of its efforts to improve food security. The bill awaits consideration by the House Economic Competitiveness Committee.
Contact: Rebecca Park
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