County Farm Bureau members interested in helping shape the 2023 Farm Bill, and its agriculture and conservation programs, are encouraged to attend one of three listening sessions Michigan Farm Bureau will host this summer.
The sessions are scheduled for July 14 in Frankenmuth, Aug. 3 in Grand Rapids, and Aug. 16 in St. Johns. Each session is free of charge, includes a meal and is expected to last two hours. Additional details and registration information are listed below.
Attendees will be able 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 landscapes and how they’re 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 what problems they’re experiencing and what growth opportunities they see.
“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.”
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.
“Our member-led MFB Farm Bill Task Force will also participate in the sessions so they can develop recommendations to share as part of the policy development process,” Kran said, which leads up to MFB’s state annual meeting and release of the American Farm Bureau Federation Farm Bill Task Force recommendations.
Attend a session near you:
- July 14, 9 a.m. — Saginaw Valley Research & Extension Center, 3775 S. Reese Rd., Frankenmuth; breakfast provided; register by July 7
- Aug. 3, 9 a.m. — AIS Construction Equipment, 600 AIS Drive SW, Grand Rapids; breakfast provided; register by July 27
- Aug. 16, 11 a.m. — AgroExpo Grounds, North Central Research Station, 5605 Findlay Rd., St. Johns; lunch provided; register by Aug. 9