Michigan Farm Bureau Raises Concerns Over 2026 Ag Policy Agenda

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A Michigan Farm Bureau lobbyist, Rob Anderson, has expressed uncertainty about how many agricultural issues can be addressed in the state legislature during the current legislative session. Anderson notes that major policy efforts are typically not common during election years, though the organization has a handful of issues it is seeking to address, such as expanding methane digesters and reforming MIOSHA reporting requirements.

Why it matters

The Michigan Farm Bureau's concerns highlight the challenges of advancing significant agricultural policy changes in an election year, when the legislative focus may shift more towards political priorities than substantive policy work. This could impact the ability to address key issues facing the state's agricultural sector.

The details

According to Rob Anderson, a lobbyist for the Michigan Farm Bureau, the current legislative session in Lansing is unlikely to see major policy efforts on agricultural issues. Anderson cites the fact that election years typically do not see as much progress on substantive policy matters. However, the Farm Bureau does have a handful of specific issues it is seeking to address, such as expanding the use of methane digesters in Michigan and reforming certain MIOSHA reporting requirements.

• The current legislative session in Lansing is underway.

What they’re saying