A good deal of public indifference exists regarding the reauthorization of the federal farm bill. This is unfortunate because, in one way or another, the farm bill legislation affects all U.S. citizens - from the clothes we wear, food we eat and water we drink to the air we breathe, and the energy that powers our homes, workplaces and vehicles.
But there's another important way the farm bill can affect the people of Michigan: It includes provisions that, if enacted, will have substantial economic benefits for our state.
Before I discuss some of the specifics, I would like to first acknowledge U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow's steadfast leadership in authoring key provisions of the farm bill and in ushering it through the long, often complex legislative process. She continues this important work as Michigan's sole conferee working to reconcile differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill.
Michigan is the second most diverse agricultural state, behind only California. Our specialty crops span a broad spectrum, ranging from apples and cherries to carrots and asparagus.
Of special importance in sustaining and advancing this great diversity are the new specialty crops provisions in the farm bill. For example, farm bill provisions call for expansion of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program to 4.5 million U.S. schoolchildren.
There also would be an expansion of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Program, which would further improve food safety through research. And there are programs that would prevent the introduction of invasive species in fruit and vegetable crops, enhance international marketing opportunities for specialty crops and support beginning farmers and ranchers.
Another important consideration for Michigan is the farm bill's potential to support development of our bioeconomy. Michigan's business, labor, political and education leaders have been virtually unanimous in supporting efforts to make the state a national leader in developing renewable fuels and other biobased products. Farm bill provisions would provide incentives to encourage entrepreneurs to develop home-grown, renewable fuels and other value-added bioproducts that will help transform Michigan's economy.
Because Michiganians live in a fragile ecosystem surrounded by water, we are among the most environmentally conscious people in America. The conservation title of the farm bill will substantially increase research funding that will ensure the long term, science-based preservation of our vital natural resources.
Michigan is fortunate to be home to several world-class research universities. The farm bill legislation would provide institutions like Michigan State University with resources to increase competitive research and extension funding. This added support would enhance the integration of research, teaching and outreach programs and also increase citizen participation in addressing complex national agriculture, food and environmental issues.
At MSU, one farm bill program - Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems - alone has provided grants that bring together interdisciplinary teams of experts in animal production, animal welfare, social/consumer issues, human health, and air and water quality. Without the base funding provided by this and other farm bill programs, MSU's ability to address these critical areas and others would be greatly curtailed.
Jeffrey D. Armstrong is dean of MSU's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He has been closely engaged in farm bill deliberations.Lansing State Journal (Michigan)
