Agriculture

A Red Barn on a Farm

I am honored to serve on the House Agriculture Committee.  As a lifelong resident of mid and northern Michigan, I understand the importance of the agriculture industry to the state.  Agriculture is the economic backbone of many communities throughout Michigan’s Fourth Congressional District and has been instrumental in the state’s economic recovery. 

As one of Michigan’s fastest growing export categories, agriculture accounts for one-third of economic output in the state and employs many residents.  I will continue to support Michigan farmers by ensuring that federal regulations do not impede upon farm operations, and helping develop policies that will enable farmers to sell more products to more customers.

More on Agriculture

Congressman Moolenaar Welcomes Nutrition Funding for Flint Schools

August 10, 2016 Press Release
Today, the Food and Nutrition Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it has approved the Michigan Department of Education’s request for additional funding so that more fresh fruits and vegetables can be purchased by Flint schools.

Moolenaar Leads Letter to Ag Secretary on USDA's Proposed Organic Rule

May 26, 2016 Press Release
Congressman John Moolenaar led a bipartisan letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposed rule regarding practices for organic poultry and livestock. On behalf of constituents, Moolenaar and 24 other members ask the department to extend its comment period on the rule and to provide a more comprehensive economic assessment of its impact. The comment period is currently scheduled to end on June 13.

Chemistry Caucus Co-Chairs Support TSCA Legislation

May 23, 2016 Press Release
Chemistry is vital for our quality of life and economic growth, and reforming TSCA is essential to guaranteeing that the chemical and materials industry in the U.S. will continue to grow in a manner consistent with our human health and environment.

Nutrition Access for Flint Residents is a Bipartisan Priority

May 5, 2016 Press Release
Congressman John Moolenaar is the author of the Safe Water and Nutrition Access Act, which was introduced last month. The legislation makes Flint eligible for federal aid for water infrastructure and nutrition.

Moolenaar Introduces Safe Water and Nutrition Access Act

April 22, 2016 Press Release
As a Mid Michigan resident it is important to me to find ways to help rural communities in Michigan along with our neighbors in Flint. Rural communities in my district and across Michigan also have water safety concerns and this legislation eliminates barriers to federal grants for water infrastructure financing and technical assistance.

Moolenaar Stands With Michigan Farmers Against Executive Branch Overreach

January 13, 2016 Press Release
Moolenaar: "Today, I stood with the 15,000 farmers in my district and continued to fight against the Obama Administration's executive overreach. Farmers across Michigan are worried about this rule which would regulate ditches and puddles on their fields. Federal courts and a bipartisan majority of the people’s representatives have opposed this rule. The executive branch should rescind it and give farmers more certainty for the future."

House Passes Tax Relief for Hardworking Americans

December 17, 2015 Press Release
Moolenaar: "The legislation permanently extends the research and development tax credit that leading Michigan companies use to make innovative new products that are sold around the world. This will reduce the tax burden for Michigan businesses and create more jobs for Michigan residents.”

House Restores Crop Insurance Cuts, Extends Highway Trust Fund

December 3, 2015 Press Release
Moolenaar: "Restoring crop insurance cuts is vital for the 15,000 farm operators of Michigan’s Fourth Congressional District. Weather can ruin an entire year of crops and without insurance some family farms could lose everything. I am glad we could fix this issue that was created in the October budget agreement and also pass funding for our nation’s critical highway infrastructure needs."

Rep. John Moolenaar Talks Agriculture and Refugees with Farmers

November 23, 2015 In The News

Excerpt: Local farmers had a chance to share their thoughts with the Congressman for Michigan’s 4th District on Friday. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, toured Andersen Brothers, a centennial farm in rural Blanchard, and met with constituents to discuss agricultural issues, such as food labeling and environmental standards, as well as concerns about ISIS and refugees.

Moolenaar: Court Decision a Victory for Michigan Farmers

October 9, 2015 Press Release

Today, the Sixth Circuit of Appeals issued a stay temporarily blocking the Environmental Protection Agency from implementing its overreaching Waters of the U.S. Rule until further litigation can be resolved.

Representative John Moolenaar (R-Midland) issued the following statement:

“In hearing from farmers across the district, I know many were worried that this overreaching rule from the EPA would interfere in their daily operations. Today’s court decision is a victory for them.