Michigan Agribusiness Association urges support for exports, MDARD funding and industry-regulator collaboration

Chuck Lipstrew, president of the Michigan Agribusiness Association, told the House Agriculture Committee the state—s agriculture sector faces uncertainty in commodity prices, export markets and labor but remains innovative and globally connected.

"Things are uncertain for farmers and rural businesses," Lipstrew said, describing a mixed picture in which "land values are holding" for some producers while commodity prices have declined and export markets remain uncertain. He told the committee the association represents roughly 300 business members across input supply, grain handling, logistics and professional services and that those sectors move value into Michigan—s rural economy.

Lipstrew emphasized exports as a state strength, saying Michigan sends about $3,000,000,000 of agricultural products around the world annually and thanking legislators for fully funding Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) export inspection programs in the fiscal 2026 budget. "That's incredibly important and supports…