LANSING – State Representative Mike Simpson (D-Jackson) today hailed the House passage of his plan, HB 5086, to increase the number of Agriculture Renaissance Zones. The move, which will expand the Agricultural Processing Renaissance Zones (APRZ) program, will bring additional jobs and economic development to one of Michigan's largest industries.
"The APRZ program has brought thousands of jobs and millions in investment to our state," said Simpson, Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. "With the economic crisis that we're facing, it's imperative that we work to attract the new businesses that will create jobs for mid-Michigan workers, such as companies like Honee Bear Canning and Gerber Products. Agriculture is the only sector of our economy showing growth right now, and this plan will ensure that it continues to expand and create jobs."
Simpson's plan, which passed the House 106-2, would increase the number of Agricultural Renaissance Zones from 30 to 40. The APRZ program, which was established in 2000, originally had a limit of 10 zones, but the success of the program has led to the continued expansion of the program. According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the APRZ program has generated 1,749 jobs and more than $750 million in new private capital investment since its inception.
APRZs are aimed at retaining or attracting food and agriculture processing operations like Kellogg's to the state by exempting businesses from state and local taxes for a specified time frame.