Senator Stabenow, Local Leaders Announce Successes for Michigan in Senate-Passed Bipartisan Farm Bill

Following a historic bipartisan vote, West Michigan leaders highlight wins for farmers, families, and rural communities

Friday, July 06, 2018

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today joined local food, agriculture, and rural leaders at Dietrich Orchards to announce wins for Michigan farmers, families, and communities in the bipartisan Senate Farm Bill. 

 

Stabenow, who serves as Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, co-authored the bill with Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) The bill passed the U.S. Senate last week on a strong bipartisan vote of 86-11 – the most votes a Senate Farm Bill has ever received.

 

“Backed by historic bipartisan support, the 2018 Senate Farm Bill reflects Michigan on every page,” said Stabenow. “From the start, I led the effort to ensure the bill will help create jobs, protect the Great Lakes, and strengthen our rural communities across Michigan.”

 

Serving as Chairwoman of the Agriculture Committee in 2014, Stabenow authored the current Farm Bill, which is set to expire in September 2018. Stabenow’s new Farm Bill continues to strongly support Michigan’s farmers and agricultural economy, which is the state’s second-largest industry. The bill also has a major impact in protecting Michigan’s Great Lakes, investing in our small towns and rural communities, promoting Michigan forestry, supporting local food economies and providing healthy food for families. 

 

Stabenow was joined by local food, agriculture, and rural leaders, who applauded the bill.

 

Al Dietrich, Owner of Dietrich Orchards, said: “Michigan is one of the largest producers of apples in the country and the programs of the Farm Bill will allow the Michigan Apple industry to forge partnerships, increase market presence, and provide safe, high-quality fruit to consumers. The new Farm Bill will help our state’s apple growers continue to be productive and profitable. We appreciate Senator Stabenow’s long-standing support of Michigan’s apple industry.”

 

Greg Bird, Executive Director of the Michigan Vegetable Council, said: “Senator Stabenow has been a champion for Michigan’s diverse agricultural economy and the wide variety of vegetables we grow here. We appreciate the Senator’s work in the Farm Bill to provide certainty for our farmers through risk management tools, innovative research, and new market opportunities.”

 

Rachel Bair, Director for Sustainable and Innovative Food Systems for Kalamazoo Valley Community College, said: “The Farm Bill has grown local food economies in Michigan, bringing fresh, healthy food to communities, while also connecting Michigan farmers with local consumers. Senator Stabenow has led the effort to grow Michigan’s local food systems, helping food go from farms to our plates.”

 

Tom Anthony, President of Michigan Rural Water Association, said: “Because many rural communities face challenges with water and waste water infrastructure, the Farm Bill is critical to helping small towns provide clean and affordable water and waste water service. Senator Stabenow has been a leader for rural Michigan, working to ensure that families and businesses across the state have safe and affordable and reliable access to water and sewer services.”

 

For a summary of the 2018 bipartisan Senate Farm Bill, click here.

 

For a summary of statements from Michigan agricultural leaders praising the 2018 Senate Farm Bill, click here.