MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU

MFB urged Congress to support H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. Our policy supports the bill because it extends 100% bonus depreciation, retroactive to 2023, through the end of 2025. It also reinstates the immediate expensing of R&D costs for businesses, reinstates the previous deduction for business interest, and raises the cap on Section 179 expensing.

Michigan Farm Bureau advocated to Congress for reforms to the regulatory system, specifically updates to how agricultural chemistries are reviewed and approved. Farmers need a regulatory system that is fair, transparent, adheres to the will of Congress, takes economic impact into account, and respects our freedoms Crop protection tools go through a rigorous process to get to market and are regularly reviewed by the manufacturers and government agencies Farmers now face additional uncertainty due to EPA's new requirements to do more to prevent endangered species impacts from pesticides Farm Bureau policy supports: Use of sound science in rulemaking Coordination between USDA and EPA on regulations affecting agriculture Estimating the cost and benefits of regulations Ensuring transparency in the rulemaking process Vigorous congressional oversight Litigation reform Funding for IR4 bio-pesticide research program for minor crops MFB supported the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, H.R. 4288. The bill would reaffirm FIFRAs standard that the EPA is the single authority on pesticide labeling and packaging requirements. The bill ensures the EPA doesnt take any action, including approving label requirements, contradictory to the agencys science-based views. The Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act will provide certainty to producers and consumers, ensuring the tools supporting the agriculture industry and food supply chain remain safe and available. The bill would preempt states from imposing their own labeling requirements.

Michigan Farm Bureau communicated with Congress on several appropriations related topics, including: Senator Gary Peters SWAT Act requesting funding for APHIS, including specialty crop pest program. In order to sustain specialty crop production and provide continued domestic food security, robust investment must be maintained in order to mitigate the harmful effects caused by these invasive pests, such as the spotted wing drosophila (SWD). SWD is an invasive pest from East Asia that lays eggs in soft-skinned specialty fruit crops, including cherries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. MFB also communicated with House offices specially requesting ways that the H-2A visa program could be address through the Appropriations process, specifically, the inclusion of a pause in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate for the H-2A visa program in the FY2025 Appropriations text. We also supported language that would prevent funds from being made available to implement the final rule: Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States in the Appropriations text and no funds made available to implement, administer, or enforce the Asylum Program Fee from the Final Rule entitled U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements (88 Fed. Reg. 6194).

Michigan Farm Bureau continues to advocate for a long-term solution to our agricultural workforce needs. We continue to communicate to Congress on the out-of-control growth in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) and challenges with the H-2A visa program. We are also concerned with a few recent rules from the Biden Administration and shared those concerns with Congress. Michigan Farm Bureau communicated with Congress in opposition to the Department of Labors rule regarding the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants (Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor, Docket Number ETA-2021-0006). MFB is supporting a Congressional Resolution of Disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) in opposition to the final AEWR rule and is encouraging Members of Congress to support it. The rule neglects to account for the fact that farm job descriptions often include many different responsibilities not just one role as the rule assumes. MFB is also supporting H.R. 7046 and S. 3848 the Supporting Farm Operations Act. The bill would pause the AEWR at the 2023 level thru the end of 2025. MFB has voiced concerns with Congress about a recent trend in denying TN (USMCA) visas for agricultural employees. Many farmers are using the program to bring skilled professionals to work on farms and agricultural businesses. The Department of State has been denying many of the applications this past year and this is leading to a shortage in workers for these businesses.

Michigan Farm Bureau continues to advocate for new trade opportunities that would allow for U.S. farmers to find and grow markets across the globe, including a FTA with the United Kingdom. In addition, we seek a fair and level playing field for farmers that face pressure from unfair, foreign competition - especially our specialty crop sector. We continue to advocate for options for farmers to tools in place for these industries to take cases against foreign countries when we believe they are not playing by the rules. Our trade negotiation objectives include: All agricultural products and policies in the negotiations Eliminate non-tariff trade barriers Ensure market access for biotechnology products Address issues concerning import-sensitive products Oppose the Precautionary Principle Oppose the use of geographic indicators