MICHIGAN FARM BUREAU

Trade (domestic/foreign)

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

TargetedSENATE · HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)

Budget/Appropriations

Michigan Farm Bureau continues to advocate for the 2025 Farm Bill to be completed on time. Our priorities for the bill include: Increase baseline funding commitments to farm programs (reference price increase, commodity loan rates) as they have not kept up with inflation Maintain a unified, bipartisan farm bill which includes nutrition programs and farm programs together Prioritize funding for risk management tools which include both federal crop insurance and commodity programs (ARC, PLC, DMC) Ensure adequate USDA staffing capacity and technical assistance Maintain funding for voluntary, working lands conservation programs. Support trade promotion programs like Foreign Market Development (FMD) and Market Assistance Program (MAP) Ensuring adequate funding for the specialty crop industry with emphasis on fundamental research, marketing & promotion, and pest management programs Funding for ag research and education Support addressing interstate commerce issues impacting the livestock and poultry industry