{ Banner Image }

Michigan Legislation To Assist Farmers And Processors With Crop Losses Moves Forward

Click to Share Share  |  Twitter Facebook
Liza C. Moore
Foster Swift Agricultural Law Update
June 2012

On June 6, 2012, the Michigan House Standing Committee on Agriculture approved HB 5717. Committee minutes show that representatives of Michigan Farm Bureau, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and many other producers, processors, and trade organizations spoke in favor of the bill. On June 6, 2012, HB 5717 was passed by the House. On June 14, 2012, the Michigan Senate Agriculture Committee met and discussed HB 5717. Committee minutes show that testimony was heard in support of the bill from representatives of Michigan Farm Bureau, the MDARD, and GreenStone Farm Credit Services, among other supporters. The Committee and the Senate passed HB 5717 on June 14, 2012. HB 5717, known as the Agricultural Disaster Loan Origination Program Act of 2012, will make producers and processors that suffered losses eligible for low interest loans.

Separately, Governor Snyder has requested federal disaster assistance from the USDA. In a press release, the Governor noted that "Our farming community members are looking at large crop losses - currently estimated at $223.5 million. Michigan's food and agriculture producers have a substantial impact on the economy and it is important those farmers have access to additional resources, such as low-interest loans." "We will be working closely with our state and federal partners to provide assistance to Michigan’s farmers, food processors, and fresh market producers to keep their businesses moving forward during this difficult time," said the Governor.