Representatives Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.-05), Greg Pence (R-Ind.-06), and Jim Baird (R-Ind.-04) gathered together at a listening session Wednesday with key agriculture stakeholders from across the state who provided testimony on behalf of their respective commodity or segment of the industry.
Spartz
“Agriculture is a significant contributor to Indiana’s GDP,” Rep. Spartz said. “Our state is also in a unique position to advance innovation and value-added services for advanced agriculture. I appreciate Rep. Baird for hosting a roundtable discussion to solicit valuable feedback from industry stakeholders.”
“Our farmers are the backbone of our nation, and I believe that Hoosier farmers deserve a seat at the table as Congress prepares for the 2023 farm bill,” Rep. Baird said. “Hoosier farms and farmers across the nation play a critical role in feeding, fueling, and clothing our grateful country, and they can provide invaluable feedback as we draft the next farm bill. I look forward to sharing these critical stakeholders’ testimony with my colleagues, and I sincerely appreciate their and Representatives Pence’s and Spartz’s participation in this productive listening session.”
“In Indiana and especially the Sixth District, the agriculture community is large and diverse. Hoosiers throughout the state will be affected by the next Farm Bill,” Rep. Pence said. “I would like to thank my colleague, Congressman Jim Baird, for putting together this important listening session and his leadership on the House Agriculture Committee. I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure Hoosier voices across the state are represented in D.C.”
Background
Congress reauthorizes comprehensive agricultural policy known as the farm bill approximately every five years. This important legislation directs U.S. Department of Agriculture programming, including nutrition assistance, conservation, commodity markets, research, rural development, and more. This policy has a tremendous impact on all Americans, but especially those in rural communities, and the livelihoods of U.S. farmers and ranchers. The most recent farm bill, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, was signed into law by President Donald Trump in December of 2018 and authorizes programs and spending through Sept. 30, 2023.