Bill Text: MI HR0037 | 2013-2014 | 97th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge Congress and the President of the United States to enact the 2013 Farm Bill as introduced in the United States Senate.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 20-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-02-27 - Referred To Committee On Agriculture [HR0037 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2013-HR0037-Introduced.html
Rep. Brown offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 37.
A resolution to urge Congress and the President of the United States to enact the 2013 Farm Bill as introduced in the United States Senate.
Whereas, Nationally, over 16 million jobs depend on the strength and continued success of American agriculture. Michigan's food and agriculture systems alone contribute $91.4 billion annually in direct and indirect economic activity, making it the second largest industry in the state. Agriculture in Michigan has continued to grow and thrive, making agriculture a cornerstone to diversifying Michigan’s economy in the future. Michigan has about ten million acres of farmland and is home to more than 56,000 farms. More than 90 percent of Michigan farmland is owned by families or individuals. Michigan produces over 200 commodities on a commercial basis, making our state the second most agriculturally diverse state in the nation; and
Whereas, Every five years, Congress enacts several pieces of legislation, together referred to as the "farm bill," that set national agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry policy. The federal farm bill has guaranteed the continued production of a stable and affordable food supply for our nation. The farm bill strikes a solid balance between supporting farmers, maintaining an affordable home-grown supply, encouraging the protection of the environment, making food available, and ensuring adequate nutrition for every American family and child; and
Whereas, The last farm bill, enacted in 2008, expired in September 2012. The renewal vehicle, the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012, passed the U.S. Senate in June 2012. As passed by the Senate, the bill would have reformed, eliminated, and streamlined numerous programs, saving taxpayers $23 billion. In addition, the bill would have strengthened the tools available to producers to help manage risks and conserve natural resources. However, the U.S. House of Representatives failed to take up the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012. With the fiscal cliff looming, Congress instead extended the 2008 Farm Bill to September 30, 2013; and
Whereas, The Senate version of the farm bill passed in 2012 has been re-introduced as the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013. This bill would provide a sound safety net for Michigan farmers including improved crop insurance options, disaster programs, and research and conservation. Having a proper farm bill in place provides agri-business and rural development with security knowing that programs and services are locked in place for the next five years. Failure to pass a federal farm bill places farms in jeopardy throughout the nation and threatens critical nutrition programs, such as emergency food aid and programs that make fresh fruits and vegetables available to school children; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge Congress and the President of the United States to enact the 2013 Farm Bill as introduced in the United States Senate; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
