News

Now is the time to be at 2018 Farm Bill discussions

An agribusiness representative says discussions shaping the 2018 Farm Bill are starting now. Chuck Lippstreu with the Michigan Agri-Business Association tells Brownfield the 2018 Farm Bill needs to be top of mind for farmers and everyone in the agriculture industry, “We need everybody to be at the table to talk about the importance of a farm safety net that gives certainty to anybody in agriculture or along the agricultural supply chain.”

Lippstreu says the current farm economy and changing consumer dynamics will be major factors when crafting new farm policy, “Consumer interest in where their food comes from is up, even over the last five years, and I think you’ll see that play into the farm bills discussion and really on the discussion of agriculture and food.”

He says as the second most diverse agricultural state in the country, Michigan’s agricultural industry has a lot at stake as it starts to define what needs to be changed in the next farm bill.

Ranking member Debbie Stabenow of the Senate Ag Committee is expected to host a farm bill listening session in Michigan this spring.

Lippstreu spoke with Brownfield during the association’s winter conference in Lansing.

AUDIO: Interview with Chuck Lippstreu