Senate Bill 4: The Mid-Michigan Farmer Freedom Act

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Formal Senate Version

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A BILL

To support and sustain agriculture in Michigan’s 35th Senate District by reducing operational costs, easing regulatory burdens, enhancing market access, and addressing labor shortages—fostering economic resilience and food security without increasing taxpayer burden.

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THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

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Section 1. Short Title
This act may be cited as the “Mid-Michigan Farmer Freedom Act.”

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Section 2. Purpose
To strengthen the agricultural economy in the 35th Senate District by:
(a) Providing financial relief for fuel, fertilizer, and equipment costs.
(b) Reducing regulatory compliance burdens for small farms.
(c) Expanding local market opportunities and infrastructure.
(d) Addressing agricultural labor shortages through training and visa support.
(e) Ensuring no new tax increases by leveraging state surpluses and federal grants.

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Section 3. Definitions
(a) “35th District” refers to Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties.
(b) “Small Farm” means a farm with less than 500 acres or annual revenue under $1M.
(c) “Farmer Freedom Fund” means the fund established herein.

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Section 4. Farmer Freedom Fund
(a) Establishes the “Mid-Michigan Farmer Freedom Fund” with:

• $10M from state budget surplus (FY 2026, Michigan’s $1B surplus, 2024).

• $7M from federal USDA Farm Service Agency grants (e.g., REAP, $1.2B allocated, 2025).
  (b) Funds allocated over 5 years (2026-2030) for:

• $10M: Rebates for fuel, fertilizer, and equipment (up to $5,000 per small farm annually).

• $5M: Farmers’ markets and co-ops (e.g., Bay City, Saginaw Dow Event Center).

• $2M: Labor programs (H-2A visa support, local worker training).
  (c) Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) administers, prioritizing small farms.

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Section 5. Regulatory Relief

(a) Exempts small farms (<100 acres) from new EGLE water runoff compliance costs (2024 rules).
(b) Streamlines MDARD permitting for cottage food operations (expands SB 93, April 2025).
(c) MDARD to report annually on regulatory impact, recommend further exemptions.

Section 6. Market Access
(a) Funds infrastructure for farmers’ markets (e.g., storage, transport) and co-op grants.
(b) Partners with MFB to promote 35th District products (corn, soybeans, sugar beets, dairy).
(c) MDARD to establish a “35th District Grown” certification program.

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Section 7. Labor Support
(a) Funds H-2A visa processing for 500 seasonal workers annually.
(b) Allocates $1M for Delta College ag training (e.g., FFA, 4-H partnerships).
(c) MDARD to coordinate with local employers for job fairs.

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Section 8. Public Oversight
(a) Creates a “35th District Farmer Council” (5 members: 2 elected farmers, 1 Bay official, 1 Midland official, 1 Saginaw official) to oversee fund use, report online.
(b) Council meetings public, with virtual access.

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Section 9. Funding Assurance
(a) No new taxes or fees.
(b) MDARD to pursue additional federal grants (e.g., USDA’s $500M Market Access Program).

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Section 10. Effective Date
Effective January 1, 2026, upon passage and Governor’s signature.