Monroe, MI - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) visited farms in Washtenaw and Monroe Counties to see the 15th District farmers at work and discuss the issues important to them. During the his annual summer farm tour, the Congressman had a chance to discuss assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers, the estate tax, the upcoming Farm Bill and access for new types of farm operations (agri-tourism).

“During my meetings with farmers in Milan, Monroe and Maybee, we talked about the issues on their mind - the need for a food safety bill to protect farmers who are using good agricultural practices, expanding access to assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers, and providing for a strong safety net for our farmers. While the next Farm Bill is a few years off, today's visit helped me to identify what our farmers in the 15th District need to be successful.”

During a meeting with disadvantaged farmers, the Congressman discussed some of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs available to them and provisions included in the 2008 Farm Bill that can be helpful to them, including:

•     $75 million in mandatory funding in FY09-12 for the Section 2501 Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Outreach and Technical Assistance Program

•     $75 million for FY09-12 for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program

•     An Office of Advocacy and Outreach, taking over the duties of the Office of Outreach and Diversity currently located in the Office of Civil Rights

•     A new Minority Farmer and Rancher Advisory Committee at USDA to review the operation of Section 2501, maximize participation by minority farmers or ranchers in USDA programs, and review civil rights activities.

That was followed by a discussion of agri-tourism.  At “Farmer Charley’s,” which can be viewed along I-75 north of exit 18, the Congressman visited the popular corn maze, petting zoo and other attractions that have made Farmer Charley's a destination stop for families.  According to the 2007 U.S. Census of Agriculture, 23,350 farms indicated they provided agri-tourism and recreation services valued at $566 million. Of the total farms, 3,637 farms indicated gross farm receipts of $25,000 or more.  

In Maybee, the Congressman visited with corn and soybean farmers to learn more about their issues with prices, crop insurance, USDA programs and the estate tax. That tax and USDA Rural Development loans were the top topics during the Congressman’s last stop with the co-chairs of Washtenaw County Farm Bureau Young Farmers.

“Agriculture is an economic engine for our State," Dingell said.  "That is why I make it a point every year to visit with my friends in farming.  They are some of the most industrious, decent, hard working and innovative entrepreneurs we have.  They provide us with the food we need, but they also seek to educate all of us on the benefits of understanding where our food comes from and the importance of buying locally produced goods.  They assume enormous risks and it is critically important that I understand the challenges they face in order to defend their needs in Washington.”

During the farm dinner, the Congressman discussed his food safety bill, which passed with bipartisan support by the House last year and expected to come up in the Senate during the fall.  He believes that the legislation would protect Michigan’s fine farmers by preventing food safety problems before they occur by strengthening food safety standards and increasing the frequency of inspections of processing facilities.  The bill would also increase “traceback” capacity, so that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can determine a product’s origin facility and isolate the case of contamination. 

The Congressman discussed the food safety bill and the current egg recall on MSNBC this morning, detailing how the bill would have been potentially beneficial in preventing or limiting the impact of the egg outbreak.  Since the first salmonella case was reported, buyers have dished out 38 percent more cash for their eggs, according to the Des Moines Register.  The wholesale price of a dozen eggs is up to $1.35 from $0.98 on Aug. 13, when Wright County Egg was first linked to the salmonella outbreak.

To see pictures from the Farm Tour, click here.