Space Fights For Ohio's Farmers

Press Release

SPACE FIGHTS FOR OHIO'S FARMERS

Congressman Zack Space (D-OH) actively stood up for the interests of Ohio's agriculture industry today in the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research. The Subcommittee completed its markup of the Farm Bill, which will be sent as a recommendation to the full Agricultural Committee later this month. Congressman Space supported the inclusion of many provisions important to Ohio's farmers including increased funding for EQIP and Resource Conservation and Development Council funding.

"The Farm Bill is an investment in rural America, and I am pleased the farmers in the state of Ohio will be receiving the support they need," Space said. "During my Farm Tour, my economic development and transportation roundtables, and my visit with Amish leadership, I heard from people all across the district about what their priorities are."

Space continued, "As I have been working on this legislation, I have kept the priorities of farmers across southeast Ohio constantly on my mind, and I feel the recommendations of this Subcommittee will serve my constituents well. We have a long way to go before the passage of the Farm Bill, and I will not stop fighting for our rural communities."

The Subcommittee included the following in its recommendations:

• Increased funding for the Environmental Quality Incentives program (EQIP)
• Consolidated agriculture research into a national institute for food and agriculture. This will benefit Land Grant Colleges and extension programs at Ohio State University.
• Incorporated provision of his Resource Conservation and Development Enhancement Act.
• Increased research of cellousic ethanol.

The Subcommittee also incorporated provisions from Congressman Space's bill to expand funding for the RC&D Council programs, which will ensure a dedicated coordinator to each district.

Additionally, Congressman Space offered an amendment to make sure that the FSA will handle administrative task and the NRCS will provide technical assistance for conservation programs. This amendment is to provide producers with more technical assistance for conservation programs. Rep. Space withdrew the amendment after receiving a commitment from the Chairman to address the lack of technical assistance for producers later in the year.

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