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McIntyre – “North Carolina farmers need Farm Bill now!”
Story Date: 3/5/2013
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Source: U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre (N.C.-7), 3/4/13
U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre has written the Speaker of the U.S. House, John Boehner, urging him to allow a vote on the floor on a Farm Bill.
Agribusiness is the most important industry in North Carolina and accounts for one in every five jobs in the state. More than 18 percent of the $400 billion gross state product is contributed by the food, fiber, and forestry industries. Nationally, North Carolina is ranked 8th among the most agriculturally productive states, and 4th among the most agriculturally diverse.
The 7th Congressional District is the most productive agricultural district in our state, and one of the largest agricultural districts in the country, with over $2.5 billion worth of agricultural products sold each year. From row crops to livestock and tobacco to peanuts to produce and fruits – all types of agriculture is produced in Eastern North Carolina.
Congressman McIntyre stated, “Food and fiber are critical to our nation’s economy and security, and it is vital that we have certainty to our nation’s agriculture policy. Farmers, agri-businesses, and rural communities need a Farm Bill enacted, and I urge the Speaker to help us pass one.”
Below is an excerpt of the letter Congressman McIntyre wrote to Speaker Boehner:
“Now is a critical time for rural America. In this new Congress we have a renewed opportunity to reauthorize a five-year comprehensive farm bill. Farmers need sound policy in place as they plan and prepare for the future. We must provide farmers with the tools they need to produce the safe and abundant food supply that we all enjoy. This can only be accomplished through reauthorization of the Farm Bill, but it will take all of us working together to complete our work and ensure our investment in American agriculture.
“Delay has serious implications for U.S. farms and the agricultural industry. Without authorization, farm policies could revert to the 1949 commodity programs that will be inefficient, costly, and ill-suited for current agricultural practices. Additional short-term extensions only provide a Band-Aid where real reform is needed. Uncertainty diminishes agriculture’s ability to face the challenges associated with producing food and fiber for a growing world population.
“Rural Americans are willing to do their part to cut the deficit, and limit the out-of-control spending in Washington, but the brunt of the burden should not be disproportionately placed on the backs of the American farmer. Weather, input, costs, and market volatility are out of our control, but the Farm Bill should not be. We must do all we can to get a 2013 Farm Bill signed into law for our farmers and agri-businesses. Please allow this legislation to come to the floor and be voted upon so that we can preserve and promote the necessary food and fiber needs for our nation and economic advancement for rural America.”
Congressman McIntyre is the #2 Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Rural Caucus.
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