From left: Farm Bureau members Juliette King-McAvoy (Antrim), Jake Isley (Lenawee) and Ashley Kennedy (Huron) testify before the U.S. Senate agriculture committee on April 29 to share their perspectives on the 2023 Farm Bill. Photo courtesy of Michigan Farm Bureau.
County Farm Bureau members interested in helping shape the 2023 Farm Bill and its agriculture and conservation programs are encouraged to attend one of two remaining Farm Bill listening sessions hosted by Michigan Farm Bureau
The sessions are free of charge, include a meal and are expected to last two hours.
- Aug. 3, 9 a.m. — AIS Construction Equipment, 600 AIS Drive SW, Grand Rapids; breakfast provided; register by July 27. Click here to register.
- Aug. 16, 11 a.m. — AgroExpo Grounds, North Central Research Station, 5605 Findlay Rd., St. Johns; lunch provided; register by Aug. 9. Click here to register.
Attendees will have dedicated time to share what program improvements and changes they believe are needed as the 2023 Farm Bill is developed and debated. They’ll also receive updates on the current economic and political landscape and how that’s shaping the Farm Bill debate.
“Farmer and agribusiness engagement on the Farm Bill is critical,” said MFB National Legislative Counsel John Kran. “Congress and the Biden administration need to hear directly from constituents on what problems they’re experiencing and what growth opportunities they see.
Every five years, Congress must authorize the Farm Bill, which includes sections on commodity programs, trade, rural development, farm credit, conservation, agricultural research, food and nutrition programs and marketing. The current bill expires Sept. 30.
“We’ll also be inviting staff from the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, Chairwoman Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s office, and our partners at MSU,” Kran added. “We need Congress to work together to complete the next Farm Bill on time, and in a bipartisan manner, so Michigan farmers have the certainty needed to make long-term business decisions.”