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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
| Address1 | 7373 West Saginaw Highway |
Address2 | P.O. Box 30960 |
| City | Lansing |
State | MI |
Zip Code | 48909 |
Country | USA |
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5. Senate ID# 40017133-48
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6. House ID# 398870000
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| TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2024 |
Q1 (1/1 - 3/31) | Q2 (4/1 - 6/30) | Q3 (7/1 - 9/30) | Q4 (10/1 - 12/31) |
9. Check if this filing amends a previously filed version of this report
| 10. Check if this is a Termination Report | Termination Date |
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11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
| INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
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| 12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
| INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
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| Provide a good faith estimate, rounded to the nearest $10,000, of all lobbying related income for the client (including all payments to the registrant by any other entity for lobbying activities on behalf of the client). | 14. REPORTING Check box to indicate expense accounting method. See instructions for description of options. | ||||||||
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Method A.
Reporting amounts using LDA definitions only
Method B. Reporting amounts under section 6033(b)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code Method C. Reporting amounts under section 162(e) of the Internal Revenue Code |
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| Signature | Digitally Signed By: John Kran |
Date | 1/21/2025 11:29:18 AM |
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code IMM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Michigan Farm Bureau continues to advocate for a long-term solution to our agricultural workforce needs. We continue to communicate to Congress on the out-of-control growth in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) and challenges with the H-2A visa program. We are also concerned with a few recent rules from the Biden Administration and shared those concerns with Congress.
Michigan Farm Bureau communicated with Congress in opposition to the Department of Labors rule regarding the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants (Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor, Docket Number ETA-2021-0006). MFB is supporting a Congressional Resolution of Disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) in opposition to the final AEWR rule and is encouraging Members of Congress to support it. The rule neglects to account for the fact that farm job descriptions often include many different responsibilities not just one role as the rule assumes.
MFB is also supporting H.R. 7046 and S. 3848 the Supporting Farm Operations Act. The bill would pause the AEWR at the 2023 level thru the end of 2025.
MFB has voiced concerns with Congress about a recent trend in denying TN (USMCA) visas for agricultural employees. Many farmers are using the program to bring skilled professionals to work on farms and agricultural businesses. The Department of State has been denying many of the applications this past year and this is leading to a shortage in workers for these businesses.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
John |
Kran |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code AGR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Michigan Farm Bureau continues to advocate for the 2024 Farm Bill to be completed on time.
MFB supported the one-year farm Bill extension and economic and disaster assistance to farmers that was included in H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act of 2025, a continuing resolution to fund the government through March 14, 2025. The legislation included over $30 million in economic and disaster assistance to farmers. Absent a full reauthorization of the Farm Bill, the one-year extension was supported by Farm Bureau because it provided economic certainty to our states farmers.
We supported House Agriculture Committee passage of H.R. 8467, the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024 (farm bill). Our priorities for the bill include:
Increase baseline funding commitments to farm programs (reference price increase, commodity loan rates) as they have not kept up with inflation
Maintain a unified, bipartisan farm bill which includes nutrition programs and farm programs together
Prioritize funding for risk management tools which include both federal crop insurance and commodity programs (ARC, PLC, DMC)
Ensure adequate USDA staffing capacity and technical assistance
Maintain funding for voluntary, working lands conservation programs.
Support trade promotion programs like Foreign Market Development (FMD) and Market Assistance Program (MAP)
Ensuring adequate funding for the specialty crop industry with emphasis on fundamental research, marketing & promotion, and pest management programs
Funding for ag research and education
Support addressing interstate commerce issues impacting the livestock and poultry industry
MFB supported the following bills:
H.R. 4838, the Specialty Crop Security Act and H.R. 5199, the Specialty Crop Research Act, bills to increase funding of the specialty crop research in the Farm Bill.
H.R. 4059 - a bill to include phosphate and potash on the final list of critical minerals of the Department of the Interior. We support this legislation as these minerals are critical for food production.
H.R. 4739 and S.26 82 Protecting Americas Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act. The bill would make improvements to the USDA Tree Assistance Program.
S. 322 Spotted Wing Abatement Trust (SWAT) Act - the bill would direct USDA APHIS to establish a fund for research and activities related to mitigating the effects of spotted wing drosophila, an insect hurting the specialty crop industry.
MFB has also been supportive of efforts to include funding for mechanization in the farm bill that would help with labor shortages. MFB supported a bill by Reps. LaMalfa and Carbajal and another by Reps. Valadao and Costa related to mechanization and a letter by the same authors.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
John |
Kran |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TRD
16. Specific lobbying issues
Michigan Farm Bureau continues to advocate for new trade opportunities that would allow for U.S. farmers to find and grow markets across the globe, including a FTA with the United Kingdom. In addition, we seek a fair and level playing field for farmers that face pressure from unfair, foreign competition - especially our specialty crop sector. We continue to advocate for options for farmers to tools in place for these industries to take cases against foreign countries when we believe they are not playing by the rules.
Our trade negotiation objectives include:
All agricultural products and policies in the negotiations
Eliminate non-tariff trade barriers
Ensure market access for biotechnology products
Address issues concerning import-sensitive products
Oppose the Precautionary Principle
Oppose the use of geographic indicators
Michigan Farm Bureau raised concerns with the U.S. House over the introduction of H.R. 10127, the Restoring Trade Fairness Act and what U.S. farmers could stand to lose if it results in reduced market access into the Chinese market. China is a large export market for U.S. agricultural commodities and goods.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
John |
Kran |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code CHM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Michigan Farm Bureau advocated to Congress for reforms to the regulatory system, specifically updates to how agricultural chemistries are reviewed and approved. Farmers need a regulatory system that is fair, transparent, adheres to the will of Congress, takes economic impact into account, and respects our freedoms
Crop protection tools go through a rigorous process to get to market and are regularly reviewed by the manufacturers and government agencies
Farmers now face additional uncertainty due to EPA's new requirements to do more to prevent endangered species impacts from pesticides
Farm Bureau policy supports:
Use of sound science in rulemaking
Coordination between USDA and EPA on regulations affecting agriculture
Estimating the cost and benefits of regulations
Ensuring transparency in the rulemaking process
Vigorous congressional oversight
Litigation reform
Funding for IR4 bio-pesticide research program for minor crops
MFB supported the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, H.R. 4288. The bill would reaffirm FIFRAs standard that the EPA is the single authority on pesticide labeling and packaging requirements. The bill ensures the EPA doesnt take any action, including approving label requirements, contradictory to the agencys science-based views. The Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act will provide certainty to producers and consumers, ensuring the tools supporting the agriculture industry and food supply chain remain safe and available. The bill would preempt states from imposing their own labeling requirements.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Agriculture - Dept of (USDA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
John |
Kran |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TAX
16. Specific lobbying issues
MFB urged Congress to support H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. Our policy supports the bill because it extends 100% bonus depreciation, retroactive to 2023, through the end of 2025. It also reinstates the immediate expensing of R&D costs for businesses, reinstates the previous deduction for business interest, and raises the cap on Section 179 expensing.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
John |
Kran |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code BUD
16. Specific lobbying issues
Michigan Farm Bureau communicated with Congress on several appropriations related topics, including:
Senator Gary Peters SWAT Act requesting funding for APHIS, including specialty crop pest program. In order to sustain specialty crop production and provide continued domestic food security, robust investment must be maintained in order to mitigate the harmful effects caused by these invasive pests, such as the spotted wing drosophila (SWD). SWD is an invasive pest from East Asia that lays eggs in soft-skinned specialty fruit crops, including cherries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
MFB also communicated with House offices specially requesting ways that the H-2A visa program could be address through the Appropriations process, specifically, the inclusion of a pause in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate for the H-2A visa program in the FY2025 Appropriations text. We also supported language that would prevent funds from being made available to implement the final rule: Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States in the Appropriations text and no funds made available to implement, administer, or enforce the Asylum Program Fee from the Final Rule entitled U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements (88 Fed. Reg. 6194).
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
John |
Kran |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
Information Update Page - Complete ONLY where registration information has changed.
20. Client new address
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21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)
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22. New General description of client’s business or activities
LOBBYIST UPDATE
23. Name of each previously reported individual who is no longer expected to act as a lobbyist for the client
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ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
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26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client
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FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
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28. Name of each previously reported foreign entity that no longer owns, or controls, or is affiliated with the registrant, client or affiliated organization
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CONVICTIONS DISCLOSURE
29. Have any of the lobbyists listed on this report been convicted in a Federal or State Court of an offense involving bribery,
extortion, embezzlement, an illegal kickback, tax evasion, fraud, a conflict of interest, making a false statement, perjury, or money laundering?
| Lobbyist Name | Description of Offense(s) |