June 27, 2024
Jessica Matthews / news@whmi.com
Local Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin hosted a virtual town hall event Wednesday night to discuss issues affecting Michigan agriculture, including avian flu, food assistance and the status of the federal farm bill.
She was joined by Tim Boling, commissioner of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Phil Knight, executive director of the Michigan Food Bank Council.
The Farm Bill is a multi-billion dollar law that sets agricultural policy for a five-year period and funds a wide range of agricultural assistance and nutrition programs. The bill establishes agricultural policy and also authorizes national nutrition assistance (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP).
There are currently different versions in the House and Senate, and those differences need to be resolved before the bill can pass.
Slotkin, the only Michigan member on the House Agriculture Committee, said the farm bill is vital legislation for Michigan farmers, businesses and families, and she has expressed particular concern about steep cuts to SNAP, totaling $30 billion over 10 years.
Slotkin has repeatedly asserted that “food security is national security” and that agriculture is one of Michigan’s largest industries. The bill is said to be critical for farmers who face a variety of challenges, including labor availability, rising labor costs, inflation, weather and climate change, supply chain issues, and other issues caused by the COVID pandemic. Slotkin noted that many farmers are waiting for the bill’s policy decision before making their own decisions.
Knight also spoke about the growing importance and need for SNAP benefits. He said the Farm Bill “impacts every American, in every way, every day.” Knight noted that the bill is expensive but an investment, and it not only provides a safety net for agriculture, but also for families who are “struggling with a little more than they earn each month.”
Regarding avian influenza, Bowling emphasized that the state has taken a very coordinated response and a science-based approach. He noted that avian influenza has already been occurring in poultry farms for several years, but has now spread to dairy cows, affecting production. He said it is good news that there have been no new positive cases in two weeks and the spread of the virus is slowing.
Three cases of mild human infection have been confirmed, all in farm workers who had direct contact with sick cows, two of which were in Michigan. It was stressed that the food supply is safe and that the health risk to the general public remains low. Details were also released about assistance for affected farmers.
Meanwhile, MDARD recently issued new recommendations for fairs as an amendment to the current emergency order. The Emergency, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Risk Reduction Response Order decision is part of the state’s response to the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak. The new recommendations provide guidelines to better protect animals and visitors at county fairs this season.
In an accompanying release, Bowling said, “As a result of coordinated efforts with local, state and federal partners, and partnerships within the agricultural community, we have implemented enhanced biosecurity measures, slowing the spread of HPAI A(H5N1) in dairy cattle and poultry in Michigan. We are seeing the results of the orders through reduced spread and new infections. However, even as fair season gets into full swing and our young people are excited to show off the results of their hard work, we cannot let our biosecurity vigilance down.”
While the CDC says there are no official guidelines for transmission from wild birds or backyard chickens or flocks, states say people should bring wild birds indoors or fully enclose outdoor areas to prevent contact between domestic and wild birds. Bird feeders should be regularly cleaned and disinfected, and hands should be washed after use.
The town hall event can be viewed on Slotkin’s Facebook page, a link has been provided.
