Kildee receives Michigan Agri-Business Endorsement

 

For Immediate Release                                                                      Contact:  Andy Leavitt

September 29th, 2010                                                                         Phone: (810) 625-0861

 

Kildee receives Michigan Agri-Business Endorsement

Organization cites Congressman’s commitment to growing Michigan’s Agriculture economy

FLINT- Congressman Dale Kildee (D-Flint) has received the endorsement of the Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) for his re-election campaign.

“Dale Kildee has a proven record of standing with the agriculture community. He understands the needs of the agriculture industry and its importance to Michigan’s economy,” said MABA President Jim Byrum. “Agriculture is a continued bright spot in these tough times and we are glad to have an ally like Dale Kildee who will fight for us.”

While in Congress, Dale Kildee has fought tirelessly to help promote and protect Michigan’s Agriculture industry. He goes to work every day to stand with the hardworking farmers, crop specialists, and processors that make up the agri-business community. Some of his recent work includes:

  • Working to convince his colleagues from urban districts to vote for the farm Bill Reauthorization. The Congressman Kildee played an active role in the overall bill and worked very hard on the progress made in the sugar industry. By working directly with House Agriculture Chairman Peterson, Congressman Kildee was able to help secure the first increase in the beet and raw cane sugar loan rate since 1985. The bill will also open up new avenues of use in the renewable fuel area as well as strengthen the domestic market for Michigan sugar growers and processors.
  • Co-sponsoring the Renewable Fuel Reinvestment Act. This critical legislation extends the bio-fuels tax credits, which have a significant impact on prices that both ethanol producers and corn farmers receive. If allowed to lapse, the estimated average price of per-bushel corn would fall by 15 to 25 cents. This would put many smaller producers and growers at serious risk.
  • Fighting for “farm to school" initiatives. Congressman Kildee has been a leader in the fight to feed American school children with Michigan agricultural products.  It is critical that our children eat a healthy balanced diet and it is important that we use home grown produce and products to feed them.

“I am extremely happy to have the Agri-Business Association of Michigan behind me. I look forward to working with them to grow and protect the agriculture economy in 5th district,” Kildee said.  “I am very forunate; the district I represent is a slice of America. Some districts are all down town and some are all agriculture. The 5th district is made up of both, and I enjoy working for them and ensuring they have all the necessary tools to compete and grow their businesses. The impact that agriculture has on our communities is irreplaceable and I am proud to be the voice of the hard working people that make up agri-business.”