Agriculture
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As a lifelong resident of mid and northern Michigan, I understand the importance of agriculture to our state. Agriculture has been instrumental in our state's economic recovery, and I am proud to represent the 15,000 farms and rural communities of our district.
As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I am committed to ensuring that vital agriculture programs are maintained. I will continue to support Michigan farmers by ensuring that federal regulations do not impede upon farm operations, and helping develop policies that will enable farmers to sell more products to more customers.
More on Agriculture
May 7, 2025
"Michigan farmers utilize H-2A employees to grow and harvest the food we rely on every day. Unfortunately federal regulations require family farmers who take advantage of the program to take on unsustainable labor costs, making it difficult to make ends meet. I am grateful Secretary Rollins recognizes this and committed today to working with Congress and the Department of Labor to find a long-term solution to the AEWR calculation which will allow Michigan farmers to thrive," said Moolenaar.
Issues:Agriculture
May 5, 2025
"Nearly every industry relies on railway to ship their goods and access markets across the world. Unfortunately, bureaucrats in California maintain the ability to supersede federal standards and institute policies that would keep vital parts of Michigan's economy, including the agriculture and auto industries, from accessing global markets. The LOCOMOTIVES Act is a commonsense proposal that stops California's policies from impacting our state, and the rest of the country," said Moolenaar.
February 26, 2025
Today, Congressman John Moolenaar reintroduced his bipartisan legislation to address high costs Michigan farmers are required to pay due to Department of Labor regulations. The bill, the Supporting Farm Operations Act, would freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for H-2A migrant farm workers at the 2023 rate through the end of 2026.
Issues:Agriculture
January 23, 2025
"Michigan families work hard and their tax dollars should go toward what matters most to them. As their voice on the Appropriations Committee, I will advocate for their most important priorities including protecting the Great Lakes, supporting our rural communities, and championing Michigan farmers,” said Moolenaar.
October 17, 2024
"Many Michigan farmers are on the brink of bankruptcy because of the failed leadership of the Biden-Harris administration and Acting Secretary Su. I have met with fifth and sixth-generation farmers who fear that unless something changes, they will be the last in their family to farm. President Biden, Vice President Harris and Acting Secretary Su's policies are responsible for this hardship, and my bipartisan Supporting Farm Operations Act would help provide Michigan farmers overdue relief," said Congressman John Moolenaar.
Issues:Agriculture
September 11, 2024
"There is no world in which the Chinese Communist Party would allow Americans to buy vast swaths of farmland next to its military bases. We need to protect our farmland and ensure our largest adversary cannot own land near sensitive U.S. military bases," said Moolenaar.
Issues:AgricultureNational Security
July 10, 2024
“Michigan farmers work hard to provide the food we rely on every day. The Department of Labor has been raising labor costs on them for years and made it difficult for them to continue operating. I have met with fifth and sixth-generation farmers who worry that unless something changes, they will be the last ones in their families to farm. Passage of my legislation in the committee’s bill today is a step toward providing relief for Michigan farmers,” said Moolenaar.
Issues:Agriculture
July 3, 2024
“Michigan parents’ top priority is putting food on the table for their children, and sadly, that job is harder due to higher food costs caused by President Biden’s failed policies. For affordable and nutritious food, we must support family farms here in Michigan, but the Biden administration has made it more difficult for them to grow and harvest the food we need. Finally, the Senate Agriculture Committee, which is led by Democrats, should pass a Farm Bill that supports our farmers,” said Congressman John Moolenaar, who represents Middleville in the House of Representatives.
April 17, 2024
“Acting Secretary Su’s indifference to rural America has harmed Michigan farmers and their hope for a prosperous future. I have heard fifth and sixth-generation farmers in my district say they will be the last in their family to farm unless something changes. Unfortunately, the Biden administration and Acting Secretary Su are not addressing this issue with the urgency that is needed. The House should pass my Supporting Farm Operations Act to stop Biden’s increases and provide relief for farmers,” said Moolenaar after the hearing.
March 25, 2024
“I am thankful to the Speaker for this appointment, and I look forward to working with Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi, the members of the Select Committee, House leaders, and the standing committees in the weeks and months ahead. Together, we can help our country prepare for the challenges we face from the Chinese Communist Party and win the competition against the CCP,” said Moolenaar. “I am also grateful to Chairman Gallagher. He has been an incredible leader for our country as a member of the military, and as a member of Congress, where he was instrumental in creating the Select Committee. His selfless and faithful stewardship of the Select Committee has been a tremendous success and benefited the American people.”