LEGISLATIVE WATCH

Bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act May Help Farmers Tap Into New Economic Opportunities

everal agriculture and dairy

Sorganizations, including MMPA and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) have applauded the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act introduced in the U.S. Senate in June. The bill is considered an important step toward reducing agricultural carbon emissions that aligns well with dairy’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality or better by 2050 through the industry’s Net Zero Initiative.

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Committee, and Mike Braun (R-IN), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources, introduced the bill with Senators Lindsey Graham (RSC) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) will introduce the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation encourages sustainable farming practices by making it easier for farmers to participate in carbon markets. The Growing Climate Solutions Act creates a certification program at USDA to help solve technical entry barriers that make it difficult for farmers and forest landowners to participate in carbon credit markets.

“MMPA appreciates the bipartisan efforts of Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow and Indiana Senator Mike Braun on legislation that would streamline and simplify the use of carbon credits for dairy farmers,” said MMPA Senior Policy Advisor Ken Nobis. “Dairy farmers utilize many conservation practices related to sequestering carbon in the soil. The proposed legislation would facilitate interaction with private entities looking for offsets to their carbon footprint. Dairy farmers look forward to being rewarded for their conservation efforts and continuing to play a role in environmental stewardship.” “We commend Senators Braun and Stabenow, as well as Senators Graham and Whitehouse, for their bipartisan work to facilitate greater farmer participation in environmental markets,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “Dairy farmers are environmental stewards who value proactive approaches to sustainability, and this legislation will provide a welcome boost to their efforts. We look forward to working with Senators Braun, Stabenow, Graham, and Whitehouse to advance this bill in Congress.” Mulhern noted that carbon markets will play an important role in the dairy sector’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, an industrywide effort that will require public-policy support. “Net zero is good for dairy farmers, good for consumers and good for the planet,” Mulhern said. “The Growing Climate Solutions Act is part of how Congress can be leaders in this effort, and we are excited to see lawmakers sharing our goal of a climate-friendly future.” The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry hosted a hearing on the Growing Climate Solutions Act on June 24, where prominent agricultural leaders urged passage of the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act. “Today’s hearing showcased the growing support for the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act,” said Senator Stabenow at the hearing. “Our bill is a win-win for producers and our environment. I look forward to continuing to work across the aisle and across the Capitol to pass this important bill.”

“As a Main Street Entrepreneur and conservationist, I know firsthand that if we want to address our changing climate then we need to facilitate real solutions that our farmers, environmentalists and industry can all support,” said Senator Braun. “The Growing Climate Solutions Act will help make those solutions reality, and I was glad to hear from prominent agricultural leaders encourage its passage at the hearing.” The bill has the support of over 50 farm groups, environmental organizations, and Fortune 500 companies.

SOURCE: NMPF AND U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY

CFAP Enrollment Continues Through August 28

Dairy farmers are eligible for direct support through USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). CFAP provides direct financial assistance to agricultural producers, providing them the ability to weather the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19. USDA is accepting CFAP applications through August 28. CFAP payments, which amounts to around $6.20 per cwt. are eligible to all dairy operations with milk production in January, February and/or March 2020. Production enrolled in risk management programs, including Livestock Gross Margin, Dairy Revenue Protection, Dairy Margin Coverage or forward contracts, also qualifies for CFAP payments. Call and set up an appointment with your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to determine your eligibility and to apply for assistance.

Advisory Committee

Many of the phone numbers listed in the March/April issue of the Milk Messenger for Advisory Committee members were incorrect. We apologize for the errors. The correct phone numbers are included below. DISTRICT 1

Dan Minnis, Dansville ........................517-719-5894 Scott Ferry, Litchfield .........................517-214-3298 Art Riske, Hanover .............................517-524-6015 Clark Emmons, Fayette, OH ................419-466-4471 Brian Preston, Quincy.........................517-376-1350

DISTRICT 2

Mark Crandall, Battle Creek................269-660-2229 Michael Oesch, Middlebury, IN...........574-825-2454 Danny Ransler, Gobles........................269-998-3802 Dan Ritter, Potterville ........................517-645-7318 Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN.........574-202-5198

DISTRICT 3

Gary Nelsen, Grant.............................231-834-7610 Bill Gruppen, Zeeland ........................616-520-5143 Burke Larsen, Scottville......................231-425-8988 Max Carlson, Fremont ........................231-638-2183 Arlyn Walt, Coopersville .....................616-837-8247

DISTRICT 4

Jeremy Werth, Alpena........................989-464-4022 Marvin Rubingh, Ellsworth ................425-533-8106 William Pirman, Skandia....................906-869-4515 Dave Folkersma, Rudyard...................906-630-1957 Paul Ponik, Posen...............................989-464-5924

DISTRICT 5

Robert Lee, Marion ............................231-743-6794 John Black, Howard City.....................231-846-7252 Tom Jeppesen, Stanton ......................989-506-5287 Bruce Benthem, McBain.....................231-920-1615 Amy Martin, Leroy .............................231-388-0496

DISTRICT 6

David Reed, Owosso...........................989-274-8147 Mike Halfman, St. Johns.....................989-640-1962 Jon Thelen, Westphalia ......................989-587-3951 Renee McCauley, Lowell.....................616-283-6411 Steve Thelen, Fowler..........................989-640-1075

DISTRICT 7

John Bennett, Prescott.......................989-345-4264 Rodney Fowler, Chesaning .................989-302-2299 Tracy House, Mt. Pleasant ..................989-621-6610 Philip Gross, Weidman .......................989-289-0670 Jason Elenbaum, Mayville..................989-274-1974

DISTRICT 8

Darwin Sneller, Sebewaing ................989-977-3718 Bill Blumerich, Berlin.........................810-706-2955 Mike Noll, Croswell ............................810-404-4071 Jeremy Sharrard, Peck........................810-404-5076 Bryan Schulte, Ruth ...........................989-551-8200

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A Special

COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the milk supply chain and tested the minds and bodies of everyone involved in it. After the dairy industry was declared essential in early March, each of us discovered what that truly meant when the world ground to a halt and we were one of only a few continuing to carry on.

MMPA employees responded as fast as they could to the needs of the members and the cooperative: changing the way they work, working longer hours and doing everything they could to ensure that milk continued to be marketed. Without the hard work and effort from the entire team, the situation could have devolved even faster overnight and as those involved in the industry and those who consume dairy products, we owe it to those who kept reporting to work for the milk, cheese and other dairy products in our refrigerator right now.

THANK YOU TO THE MMPA EMPLOYEES WHO CONTINUED TO SHOW UP AND GIVE THEIR ALL ON BEHALF OF MMPA MEMBERS, THE INDUSTRY AND CONSUMERS.

THANKS

MICHIGAN MILK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

41310 Bridge Street / P.O. Box 8002, Novi, MI 48376-8002 p 248-474-6672 » f 248-474-0924 » mimilk.com

Dear MMPA employees,

I know with the COVID-19 pandemic, all of you faced different challenges, whether it was childcare, caring for high risk family members, or the concern and anxiety for your own health. I know there is a different situation for each one of you and I appreciate the risk that all of you took each and every day that you came to work for MMPA. I believe that throughout this pandemic that you not only served our co-op members, but our country as well.

Recently, we’ve all been made aware of how connected we are and how much we rely on everyone's work and efforts. Milk was certainly viewed as essential and important to every household. When people were uncertain of the future, they rushed to the store to stock up on dairy, and your efforts helped give them comfort. The work all of you did truly served everyone.

I speak for the Board of Directors and all of our member owners when I say thank you for your continued commitment to MMPA and the important work that you do every day.

Wishing you and your families the best,

DOUG CHAPIN, MMPA BOARD CHAIRMAN