Capitol Corner: God Bless Our Farmers

Statement

In this day and age of computers, it seems like many people can forget the importance and impact of our agriculture industry. So I want to take this time to share something with you.

If you eat, you're involved in the agriculture industry.

That's because, believe it or not, agriculture is still the largest industry in the country. It is because of our strong agriculture industry that America was able to grow into the country we are today. It affects every aspect of your life and plays a major role in both our state's and our nation's economy.

In Georgia, agriculture is also the number one industry. Without the hard work and dedication of Georgia's farmers, the United States would not benefit from the safest, most abundant, most affordable food supply in the world. In addition to being the country's largest peanut, broiler, rye, and spring onion producer, Georgia is also the number one producer of pecans in the world. And while we are known for our amazing peaches, blueberry production has surged recently in the state and has surpassed peach production in the state.

Since coming to Congress in 2004, I have fought to protect Georgia's farmers and have continued to be a voice for them in the 113th Congress. Currently, Congress is debating a new farm bill, the comprehensive authorization legislation passed every five years to reauthorize, amend, or repeal provisions of agricultural related law. The focus of any farm bill should be improving and assisting our nation's farmers and ranchers -- not dramatically increasing taxes and spending.

So the next time you are in the grocery store or having dinner at a restaurant with friends or family, remember it is because of the hard work of our nation's farmers that we have that food. And the next time you run into a farmer, be sure to tell them thank you.

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