Michigan Farm Bureau this week hosted former Congressman Mike Rogers (R) and Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (D) in a forum for the U.S. Senate candidates to share their perspectives on agriculture issues and how they plan to advocate on behalf of the state’s farm families.
A recording of the forum is available and includes the candidates’ responses to nine questions on critical issues like the farm bill, workforce reform, trade, government regulation, infrastructure, taxation and more.
“The purpose of this interview forum is to aid our county Farm Bureau candidate evaluation committees, so they're well informed before making recommendations to our political action committee, AgriPac,” said Mike Fusilier, AgriPac Chair and Washtenaw County farmer.
“We appreciate the willingness of the candidates to participate, and we’re pleased with the thoroughness of both candidates’ responses,” he added.
Fusilier said that county Farm Bureaus may choose to recommend an endorsement for Rogers or Slotkin, or they may recommend AgriPac not weigh in on the race.
If AgriPac makes an endorsement in the race for retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s open U.S. Senate seat, the announcement will come in mid-September, ahead of the Nov. 5 general election. At the same time, the organization will also review county recommendations for U.S. President, Michigan Supreme Court and state-level school boards.
At the beginning of their respective (and separate) interviews, Rogers and Slotkin shared opening remarks with county Farm Bureau members and industry representatives at the forum.
“The way our economy is working is broken,” Rogers said. “My entire family, spread across this state, is having a hard time on grocery day; like you guys are, like your costs have gone up, like the people are trying to buy the food you grow are having a hard time.”
“And my argument is we have to do better.”
Rogers went on to say that “trade, labor and regulation” are three items that, “if we don’t get that out of the way, we’re going to continue to import more food than we export.”
Slotkin in her opening remarks emphasized, “I'm an independent thinker.”
“I come from a CIA background where there is no political bent to that, you just are doing what is important for the mission,” she continued. “So, I'm looking forward to hopefully getting your endorsement and a long-term close relationship with the Farm Bureau.”
As the only congressional member from Michigan to serve on the House Ag Committee, Slotkin said she views ag policy through the lens of her former background, adding “food security is national security.”
“It's a farm first policy, because we have to be able to always feed ourselves. My priorities in the Farm Bill, first and foremost are to make sure Michigan farmers have what they need, particularly specialty crops.”
The candidates then responded to a question on the farm bill.
“You have to get it done when it's due; you don't have time to wait,” said Rogers.
“You can't say you're going to plant in the fall, right?
“We've got to take care of the institutions, the farmers, the manufacturer, things that we know make America great.”
Slotkin’s response focused on her work in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.
“For me on the farm safety net, one of the big things in this farm bill, and it's great because it's in both the Senate and the House version, is expanding the farm safety net,” she said. “Particularly to folks like our specialty crop farmers, our small and medium sized farmers, and making it so that you don't have to wait for a disaster and then apply for your assistance it's built into the safety net that all farmers should enjoy.”
Slotkin went on to say, “I'm an open-minded person.
“You know, there is a lot that we can do if you put aside your party leadership. So I try to demonstrate through my actions, not just words, that I'm willing to think differently than maybe some in my own party.”
Both candidates answered questions for a little less than a half hour before offering closing statements.
“I am a passionate advocate to make sure that all the things coming out of Washington D.C. that doesn't allow you to do what you need to do, and by the way I'm going to say something that's really politically incorrect — make money.” Rogers concluded. “If we don't get money making back in agriculture in a way that attracts the next generation, we are in trouble.”
“What I would just leave you with,” Slotkin concluded, “in addition to what I think is a real demonstrated interest in agriculture, is that if I make it to the Senate, I intend to get on the Agriculture Committee in the Senate.”
“I'm invested in this issue, I'm interested in this issue, and I want a strong, productive relationship with the Farm Bureau years out into the future, and I want to start it off in a good place.”
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