Policy & Politics

GOAL: Improving the Business Climate for Agriculture

CHAMBER MEMBERS ADVOCATE:

• Support making the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) the single point of contact on regulatory issues for all agricultural operations in the state.
• Support actions by Congress and state government to provide oversight related to the excessive and overzealous actions being taken by the United States Department of Labor (US DOL) against Michigan agricultural operations. 
• Encourage the establishment of a commerce-focused approach to the inspection of fruits and vegetables.
• Support legislation to exempt on-farm activities such as agri-tourism and the production of renewable energy from local zoning authority. 

WHY?

Michigan agriculture remains one of the state’s leading industries, providing over $71.3 billion in economic activity annually and supporting over one million jobs. Despite the economic downturn, the agricultural economy has continued to expand in Michigan, helping to diversify our state’s overall economy.  However, Michigan’s heavy tax burden and unfair regulatory environment are negatively affecting the economic competitiveness of the agriculture industry and must be addressed. 

Download PDF