Agriculture

A Red Barn on a Farm

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

Working for Our Farming Families

October 6, 2015 Editorial

It is harvest time and Michigan farmers have had a challenging growing season. As the leaves turn colors and families head out to cider mills, here are the highlights of the year so far in Michigan agriculture and the bills I have voted for to help our farming families prosper.

New Transparency on Food

July 24, 2015 Editorial
With strong bipartisan support, the House has passed the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015. As I write in my op-ed, Michigan shoppers will enjoy knowing that there is an easy to understand standard that will tell them whether or not a product is engineered because they will know what to look for when they are grocery shopping.

Moolenaar Questions EPA Director on Agency's Overreaching Water Rule

July 9, 2015 Press Release
Congress has oversight of the EPA and has heard from environmental experts and farmers that the water rule is confusing. The unintended consequences of this rule could be very costly to local communities in Michigan. I look forward to working with Administrator McCarthy on making sure Michigan farmers, businesses and towns will be able to operate without interference from the EPA.

Moolenaar: Supreme Court Defeat for EPA Overreach is a Win for All Americans

June 29, 2015 Press Release
Today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of all Americans who are frustrated with the EPA and its overzealous pursuit of expansive rules that exceed its authority. The EPA has been trying to implement regulations that would dramatically increase the price of electricity for families and ratepayers throughout Michigan. Thankfully, the Supreme Court ruled for the American people.

Moolenaar Denounces Federal Overreach on Food Ingredients

June 16, 2015 Press Release
This is an unnecessary intrusion by the federal government. Already, many companies are removing trans fats from their products and Americans are making common-sense, healthy choices about what they eat. Americans should be trusted to make the food choices that are best for them and their family. They don’t need Washington bureaucrats telling them what they can and cannot eat.

Moolenaar: EPA's Misplaced Priorities Burden Michigan Farmers and Businesses, and Jeopardize the Great Lakes

May 27, 2015 Press Release
"When I hear from farmers in my district, this EPA rule is one of their top concerns. They are worried about the federal government coming to regulate ditches and mud puddles on their land. Republicans and Democrats alike have voted against this EPA proposal, and we will continue to fight for the thousands of men and women working in Michigan agriculture to ensure they are able to farm their land and run their businesses without being saddled by onerous rules and regulations," said Mooolenaar.

Moolenaar Statement on Country of Origin Labeling

May 20, 2015 Press Release
“The current labeling law is in violation and ineffective. It is unnecessary, imposes a heavy burden on our farmers and could drive up prices on hardworking Michigan families. I hope the House will act quickly to repeal the law,” said Moolenaar.

Moolenaar Statement on Waters of the U.S. Legislation

May 12, 2015 Press Release
Today, the House stood up for farmers in Michigan's Fourth Congressional District, and called for the EPA to withdraw its proposed rules and listen to input from farm operators and local communities.

Moolenaar Votes to Repeal the Death Tax

April 16, 2015 Press Release
For many in Michigan’s Fourth Congressional District, the American Dream is to build a family farm or business and pass it on to their sons and daughters. Repealing the Death Tax makes it easier for Americans to realize that dream. The Death Tax often forces family farms to sell land and equipment to pay their tax bill. This is unacceptable. Death should never be a taxable event.

USDA Declares Crop Disaster Designations for 13 Counties

March 25, 2015 Press Release
The United States Department of Agriculture declared crop disaster designations for 13 counties in Michigan’s Fourth Congressional District for multiple disasters that occurred during the 2014 crop year.

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