There are individuals and non-profit organizations that are interested in moving healthy soils legislation forward in this state. Due to lack of organizing capacity, a coalition to actively work on legislation has not formed. With funding, healthy soils legislation would become a policy priority in this state. For more information and to connect with local orgs please email Michigan@HealthySoilsPolicy.org
Legislative Status Update
Updates in 2023
SB0275 [LS] environmental protection: air pollution and low-carbon fuel standard; includes that in developing rules, that complement and further “existing efforts by the agricultural sector to increase the adoption of practices that improve soil health and water quality.”
HB4289 [LS] Appropriations: department of agriculture and rural development; appropriations for fiscal year 2023-2024; includes appropriation of $7M for SEEDSS (Solving Emerging Environmental Developments and Securing Sustainability) “The purpose of the SEEDSS program is to support the development and implementation of best farming practices and new technologies related to environmental sustainability, including measures to address the impacts of climate change. Program goals include enhancing soil and plant health, soil carbon sequestration, efficient use of water, and protection of water resources.” – passed House and Senate, returned to House 5/17/2023
SB0187 [LS] Appropriations: department of agriculture and rural development; appropriations for fiscal year 2023-2024; includes appropriation of $2M for ‘soil health and regenerative agriculture’ under environmental stewardship, and $11M one-time appropriation for Soil Health and Regenerative Agriculture Program. – bill passed in Senate and moved to House 5/9/2023 – passed as part of HB4437 [LS]
HB4437 [LS] Appropriations: department of agriculture and rural development; appropriations for fiscal year 2023-2024; includes $7 million for new agricultural climate resiliency program to promote the principles of regenerative agriculture; includes soil health – $1 million as ongoing appropriation within Pesticide and Plant Pest Management (PPPM) Division, and $6 million as one-time appropriation; includes $6 million for new soil health/regenerative agriculture program – $1 million as ongoing appropriation within PPPM with 5.0 Full-Time-Employees, and $5 million as one-time appropriation – signed by Gov. Whitmer 7/31/2023
Updates in 2021-2022
None
House Committee
Senate Committee
Natural Resources & Agriculture
State Universities & Researchers
- Michigan State University: Land-grant university
Agricultural Organizations & Technical Assistance:
Education & Advocacy Groups
This site is meant to facilitate groups, agencies, and individuals wishing to learn about and advance soil health policy. Organization names are not mentioned here for privacy, interested parties are encouraged to send an email to the state page contact with requests for state-specific information.
Last Update 01/18/2024