Informing the Legislature that on June 3, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1707 HD1 SD2 CD1 (ACT 068).

This bill establishes a pilot program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to help local farmers and ranchers pay for transporting their goods and supplies. Eligible participants, including small-scale producers and cooperatives, can receive reimbursements covering up to 50% of their transportation costs or a maximum of $25,000 per year, with a total annual budget cap of $2 million. The program is designed to offset rising shipping expenses and tariffs that currently make it difficult for local agricultural businesses to operate profitably. To ensure accountability, the department must submit an annual report to the legislature detailing how many producers were helped and how much money was spent.