Michigan Agri-Businesses excited for climate, infrastructure legislation

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Michigan Agri-Businesses excited for climate, infrastructure legislation

The head of the Michigan Agri-Business Association says the just passed Growing Climate Solutions Act in the U.S. Senate is especially important for Michigan agriculture.

Chuck Lippstreu tells Brownfield Michigan is the second most diverse state in America and climate risks are greater.

“The risks posed by climate change are even more varied and widespread for our state then they might be for a state that doesn’t have the incredible diversity of production that we enjoy in Michigan,” he says.  “

Lippstreu says the bill lends more certainty to carbon markets and helps farmers and foresters better understand opportunities.

“Right now there’s not a lot of ground rules out there in terms of environmental markets that farmers can participate in and this bill directs USDA and provides support for USDA to design a carbon market that works for farmers,” he explains.

Lippstreu adds it’s also positive to agriculture this week for President Biden to come to agreement with lawmakers on an infrastructure deal.

“It’s not a done deal, this obviously has to make its way through Congress,” he says.  “We’re going to monitor that very closely and encourage our members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate to support this bipartisan infrastructure agreement.”

Hear more from Lippstreu on recent federal and state legislative accomplishments.

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