Putnam Named To Farm Bill Conference Committee

Press Release

Congressman Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) today was named to the conference committee on the Farm Bill, the sweeping legislation that will establish federal agriculture policy for the next five years. The conference committee will iron out differences between the House and Senate versions of the legislation. The last farm bill was passed in 2002 and is operating under a temporary extension that will expire April 18.

"This is an historic opportunity to modernize federal farm policy in a way that not only recognizes the importance of traditional commodities, but also the roughly 40 percent of American agriculture that is considered specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, and horticulture," said Putnam.

"Research, next generation biofuels, nutrition and conservation are all key components of comprehensive food policy and play a role in food and energy security, public health and environmental quality. I look forward to working to find a common sense approach crafting a bill that can pass both houses and the President will sign."

Since 2001, Putnam has represented Florida's 12th Congressional District, which includes most of Polk County and portions of Hillsborough and Osceola counties. As chairman of the Republican Conference, he is the third ranking member of his party's leadership in the House of Representatives.

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