Viewpoint: Farmers underpin American food supply and economy. Make sure Farm Bill supports them

When Star of the West Milling Co. was founded more than 150 years ago in Frankenmuth, no one could’ve imagined the transformation we would see in agriculture. I’m proud to be part of that revolution as president and CEO of Star of the West Milling Co., which has grown from a steam-powered flour mill to a premier supplier of flour, dry edible beans, food grade soybeans and ready-to-eat wheat flakes.

Michigan is home to more than 47,600 farms and boasts one of the most diverse agricultural sectors in our nation, producing more than 300 commodities. We contribute more than $104 billion annually to the state’s economy, accounting for 17% of Michigan jobs. And last year, we set a record for food and agriculture exports: $2.7 billion.

The ag industry within Michigan also boasts a sophisticated agricultural research and development sector — including at my alma mater, Michigan State University — that is advancing farming techniques to enhance productivity and sustainability.

Because of America’s farmers and the ingenuity of so many in the agriculture industry, we have a reliable food chain here at home. We also are playing an increasingly crucial role in maintaining a stable, sustainable global food supply.

However, the stability of our global food supply is fragile. At a time of worldwide uncertainty, we need to ensure that farmers and agriculture businesses have the tools they need to continue producing and processing the food, fiber and fuel we need.

Food security is national — and international — security. That’s why we believe it’s important that farmers and their suppliers are at the table when important decisions are being made, particularly now, when Congress is poised to write a new federal Farm Bill.

As an owner of Land O’Lakes, Inc., I know that what the Farm Bill does — and doesn’t — do is of great importance to rural communities across Michigan and the nation. We are very lucky to have a Michigander, and I might note, an MSU graduate, who very much understands this: U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

We urge Sen. Stabenow to keep front of mind the needs of farmers in these volatile times. We are urging Congress to:

• Ensure federal policies promote a competitive agriculture sector, healthy rural communities and support that allows farmers to remain productive and profitable while employing sustainable practices.
  Maintain and strengthen the farm safety net that ensures commodity programs and crop insurance are responsive to changing economic conditions.
• Strengthen rural development programs that include rural capacity building and technical assistance, leveraging public-private partnerships.
• Provide predictability by ensuring there are no lapses in funding or authorities for Farm Bill programs while funding improvements to Farm Bill programs.
• Commit to advancing policies that are voluntary and incentive-based for growers.
• Keep critical domestic and international nutrition programs in the Farm Bill.

We ask that our elected officials work with us, hand in glove, to sustain agriculture’s crucial advances. Our future, and the future of billions of others, depends on it.

Jim Howe is president and CEO of Star of the West Milling Co.