Senator Stabenow, Mayor Duggan, Agriculture Leaders Highlight Farm Bill Wins for Michigan

DETROIT – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and Michigan agriculture leaders today highlighted the wins for Michigan in the recently passed 2018 bipartisan Farm Bill at an event at Eastern Market. They were joined by Mike DiBernardo from Eastern Market, Pete and Paul Blake from Blake’s Orchard, as well as Jerry Ann Hebron from Oakland Avenue Urban Farm.

“It was so great to join the Mayor and Michigan agriculture leaders today in Detroit as we highlighted the wins for our state in my bipartisan Farm Bill,” said Senator Stabenow. “The Farm Bill will grow our state’s diverse economy and support our farmers, families, and communities. It’s truly a bipartisan victory that has Michigan on every page!”

"Thanks to Sen. Stabenow's efforts, the 2018 Farm Bill will support Detroit's growing agriculture sector,” said Mayor Duggan. “Not only does it allow for greater access to fresh produce in cities like Detroit, it will create new opportunity for urban gardeners who want to start or expand their own agriculture business."

“Recent passage of the 2018 Farm Bill by Congress is very important to Eastern Market’s customers and growers,” said Dan Carmody, President of the Eastern Market Corporation. “Funding of USDA programs that support farmers and build stronger rural communities helps improve the sustainability of local food production and processing while support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps vulnerable urban households afford healthy and nutritious food. Congratulations to Senator Stabenow and other leaders in the Senate and House for working across party lines to craft and pass legislation that helps Americans from all walks of life.”

“The 2018 Farm Bill provides critical support for Michigan apples and ciders and other locally grown and Michigan-made products,” said Paul Blake from Blake’s Orchards. “We are grateful for Senator Stabenow’s long-standing support for Michigan’s apple industry and fruit growers.”

“Thanks to Senator Stabenow’s leadership, the 2018 Farm Bill recognizes urban agriculture for the first time ever,” said Jerry Ann Hebron from Oakland Avenue Urban Farm. “Detroit is home to so many nationally recognized leaders in urban agriculture who support our communities and families by making sure people have access to healthy local foods.” 

Last week, the Farm Bill passed the Senate by a margin of 87-13 and the House 369-47. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The bipartisan Farm Bill strongly supports Michigan’s farmers and agricultural economy, which is the state’s second-largest industry. The bill protects Michigan’s Great Lakes, invests in our small towns and rural communities, promotes Michigan forestry, supports local food economies, and provides healthy food for families. 

A summary of the 2018 Farm Bill is available here.