East Michigan News

Congressman John Moolenaar has garnered additional support from Michigan agriculture organizations for his legislation, H.R. 7046, the Supporting Farm Operations Act. The Michigan Apple Association and the Michigan Vegetable Council have both endorsed the bill, which aims to freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for migrant farm workers at the 2023 level through the end of 2025.

Moolenaar expressed his appreciation for the endorsements, stating, "I am proud to have the support of more Michigan agriculture groups for my legislation to help farmers. Farmers and ag groups support my bill because it will help ensure they can pay a reliable work force and still afford to make ends meet."

Diane Smith, Executive Director of the Michigan Apple Association, commended Moolenaar's efforts, saying, "The Michigan Apple industry is grateful for Congressman Moolenaar's continued support and his work to preserve the United States agriculture industry."

Greg Bird, Executive Director of the Michigan Vegetable Council, emphasized the importance of addressing labor costs in the industry, stating, "An AEWR freeze is one step in the right direction to begin to offset current unsustainable labor costs."

The endorsements from the Michigan Apple Association and The Michigan Vegetable Council add to the growing list of supporters for Moolenaar's legislation, which already includes organizations such as Michigan Farm Bureau, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the U.S. Apple Association.