08/15/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/15/2022 15:13
FLINT-Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, and Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, were joined by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in Saginaw County today to meet with local farmers and highlight new funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to help mid-Michigan farmers and rural communities.
"I was proud to welcome Secretary Vilsack to Frankenmuth to meet directly with local farmers and highlight mid-Michigan's importance in the agricultural economy. From corn to soybeans to cucumbers for pickling and more, mid-Michigan farmers help feed America. I'm proud to represent so many hardworking farmers in Congress, and I'll keep working to address the challenges they face, so they can get their products to market at a fair price. Senator Stabenow, as chair of the Agriculture Committee in the U.S. Senate, is an incredible leader and partner in efforts to support Michigan's growers."
"Agriculture is critical to our Michigan economy. We were proud to welcome Secretary Vilsack to Michigan today to showcase this region's diverse crops and rich agricultural heritage," said Senator Stabenow. "Congressman Kildee is a great partner of mine in growing this important part of Michigan's economy and addressing the difficult challenges facing agriculture today. I look forward to continuing to work with the Congressman, Secretary Vilsack and the farmers and stakeholders we met with today to ensure the Great Lakes Bay region remains a world-class center of agricultural innovation and productivity into the future."
"President Biden and Congress have taken an important, historic step towards easing the burden of inflation on the American public and meeting the moment on climate," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "I am grateful to have joined Congressman Kildee, Senator Stabenow, and the farmers we met with today to share how USDA will support them through the resources provided by the Inflation Reduction Act. USDA remains committed to helping farmers across the country address local resource concerns and global food security while also improving their bottom line."
The Inflation Reduction Act will deliver stronger rural energy systems, biofuel tax credits and funding for better land conservation programs to support mid-Michigan's farmers and rural communities. The new law includes funding to increase the efficiency of rural energy systems, provides funding to support the transition of rural electric cooperatives to renewable and zero emission energy systems, and makes infrastructure investments to increase access to clean fuels.
As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Kildee worked hard to include a biodiesel tax credit in the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as Congressman Kildee's new tax credit for sustainable aviation fuels. Air travel accounts for as much as 2.5% of global carbon emissions and because they are so far up in the atmosphere when they are released, they tend to have a greater greenhouse effect. Congressman Kildee's legislation incentivizes blending sustainable aviation fuels, a type of biofuel, with jet fuel, benefitting mid-Michigan's corn, soybean and other farmers.
The Inflation Reduction Act also includes funding to help farmers design and install conservation practices. By increasing participation in these conservation programs, producers will reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon. Greater access to these proven programs will help mid-Michigan farmers combat the climate crisis and its harmful impacts on their operations.