May 30, 2012

Stabenow: Farm bill could grow Michigan jobs, keep lottery winners off food stamps

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow says proposed farming legislation can help Michigan grow a key crop: Jobs.

Stabenow, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, introduced the 2012 farm bill last week, folding in key provisions from her previous standalone bill designed to boost bio-based manufacturing in Michigan and other states.

The 1,000-page farm legislation would create and fund a labeling program for consumer products made from crops typically grown for food, such as soy beans and corn. It also would expand a federal bio-refinery loan program to include bio-based manufacturers, setting aside at least $25 million each fo the next two years to encourage businesses to build new facilities or expand existing operations. MLive

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