MI forest and agriculture industries join to request temporary fuel relief
LANSING, Michigan — September 30, 2026 — Four major organizations representing Michigan’s agricultural, agribusiness, logging and forest products industries are joining together to request temporary fuel relief as producers face unusually high diesel costs.
The Michigan Association of Timbermen (MAT), Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA), Michigan Farm Bureau, and Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) are asking Governor Gretchen Whitmer to provide a temporary, 90-day exemption allowing eligible agricultural and forestry trucks to use dyed diesel fuel.
Fuel is one of the largest operating expenses for farmers, loggers and other producers. Unlike many businesses, however, agricultural and forestry producers generally cannot simply increase the price of their products when fuel costs rise. They sell into commodity markets where prices are largely determined by supply and demand, meaning higher fuel costs come directly out of their operating margins.
“Fuel is a cost that our members cannot simply pass along to their customers,” said Justin Knepper of the Michigan Association of Timbermen. “When diesel prices rise sharply, the impact goes straight to the bottom line. We are asking for a temporary, practical measure that can provide immediate relief to the people producing Michigan’s food, fiber and forest products.”
A Temporary, Practical Solution
The organizations are asking the state to temporarily allow eligible agricultural and forestry highway trucks to use dyed diesel for 90 days.
Dyed diesel is not a different type of diesel fuel. The dye is simply a way of identifying fuel that was sold without the highway fuel tax. Michigan currently allows dyed diesel to be used for nontaxable purposes, including off-road equipment such as farm tractors, combines, skidders, feller bunchers and other logging and harvesting equipment. Many farms and logging operations already purchase dyed diesel in bulk for their off-road equipment. The proposed temporary relief would allow qualifying highway trucks to use that same fuel during the 90-day period.
The proposal would not require the creation of a new government program or a new spending program. The primary cost to the state would be the motor fuel tax revenue forgone during the temporary period.
“This is about providing short-term relief during an extraordinary period of fuel costs,” said representatives of the organizations. “Farmers and loggers still have to plant, harvest, haul and deliver products regardless of what diesel costs. Allowing the use of dyed diesel, which is already in the supply chain, can provide immediate assistance while allowing these businesses to continue operating.”
View the official letter sent to Governor Whitmer's office from MAT and GLTPA here.
View the official letter sent to Governor Whitmer's office from Michigan Farm Bureau here.
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Media Contacts:
Michigan Association of Timbermen (906) 293-3236 - Justin Knepper
Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (715) 304-2861 - Henry Schienebeck
Michigan Farm Bureau (616) 822-0329 - Justin Tomei
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