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

Following a historic bipartisan vote, 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 and agriculture leaders at Uncle John’s Cider Mill 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 and agriculture leaders, who applauded the bill.

 

Mike Beck, Owner of Uncle John’s Cider Mill, said: “It’s always great to have Senator Stabenow back at Uncle John’s. She has been a long standing champion for Michigan’s farm and food industry, which supports countless jobs and businesses like ours all across Michigan.”

 

Ken Nobis, President of the Michigan Milk Producers Association, said: “As Michigan's largest agriculture commodity, our dairy farmers are a significant contributor to our state’s economy. The new improvements in the Senate Farm Bill will provide much-needed help for our dairy farmers, who have struggled from low milk prices. We thank Senator Stabenow for leading the effort to improve the dairy safety net in the Farm Bill.”

 

Jed Welder, Board Member of the Michigan Farmer Veteran Coalition, said: “Agriculture provides military veterans with meaningful careers and the opportunity to continue serving our country. Michigan farmer veterans across the state appreciate Senator Stabenow’s support to secure new resources in the Farm Bill that help us start and sustain a life on the farm.”

 

Joan Nelson, Director of the Allen Neighborhood Center and Farmers Market, said: “The Farm Bill has helped the Allen Farmers Market bring fresh, healthy food to families in our community, while also providing Michigan farmers with the opportunity to sell directly to their neighbors. Thanks to Senator Stabenow’s leadership, the new Farm Bill will continue to help farmers markets and other local food initiatives grow and thrive for years to come.”

 

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.