Issue Position: Agriculture

Issue Position

Agriculture is the backbone of Wisconsin's economy, and our family farms are at its core. In Wisconsin, agriculture generates $59.1 billion in economic activity, and provides jobs for 353,991 people. No other sector is so broadly based across the entire state.

Wisconsin agriculture continues to contribute to the state's economic base despite the financial pressures caused by our weakened economy. The current economic climate has left many struggling to make ends meet.

Our nation's agriculture policies must value Wisconsin farmers. Preserving family farms, strengthening our rural economy and establishing a fair and balanced trade policy are essential. As Congress begins its consideration of the 2012 Farm Bill, addressing these challenges must be at the forefront. I will be particularly focused on federal dairy policy and the reforms that have been proposed. In addition, I will be looking to expand a farm flexibility pilot program that allows farmers receiving direct payments for commodities to opt out of these payments on a year-by-year basis, and grow fruits and vegetables for processing. This program is especially meaningful for the upper Midwest. Finally, I will be focused on ensuring that the 2012 Farm Bill improves the lives of rural Americans. The Farm Bill provides an opportunity to assist rural communities in areas such as broadband, renewable energy, and conservation.

The 2008 Farm Bill addressed many of the problems facing farmers today, and made small, but noteworthy, steps toward aligning our federal agricultural programs with the modern landscape of farming in this country. It touched on commodity price support programs, nutrition programs, renewable energy, rural development, and dairy programs, and I supported it as it passed the House, and as Congress voted to override the President's veto.

Fighting for Wisconsin Dairy Farmers:
Wisconsin's dairy industry, in particular, makes a tremendous economic contribution to our communities and state every year. It accounts for about $20.6 billion to Wisconsin's economy, and it ensures jobs, support for local economies, and essential food products for people within Wisconsin and across the nation.

Wisconsin dairy farmers rely on the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program to supplement their income when milk prices fall below a regulated threshold. The 2008 Farm Bill restores MILC to its original level, extends the program through 2012, and expands the program to include an input cost adjustment. Under this reauthorization, the MILC program will be reflective and respectful of the work Wisconsin dairy farmers and cows put into their product.

Nonetheless, I have serious concerns about state of the dairy industry. Price volatility, anti-competitive practices, and limited access to credit all threaten the survival of many of our dairy farms.

I believe that all options should be on the table to address federal dairy policy. In order to ensure opportunity, prosperity, and sustainability in the dairy community, it is essential that proper consideration be given to proposed dairy policy reforms before changes are made. Any program that moves forward must be economically sustainable for Wisconsin's dairy farm families.

In addition, I remain focused on competition issues affecting the agriculture industry, particularly the dairy sector. Despite consumers paying more for dairy products at the store, farmers have received far less. I was pleased to welcome the U.S. Department of Justice and the USDA to listen to the concerns of Wisconsin's farmers about the declining number of family farms; fewer market options for dairy farmers; less competition among processors; artificially depressed prices and the possibility of price manipulation; and the resulting toll all of this is taking on dairy families.

Food Supply:
I support agricultural policies that guarantee a safe, healthy, and adequate food supply for all Americans. Our farmers are the most efficient in the world, and the quality of their efforts is second to none. However, not everyone can afford to take advantage of this abundance. I am pleased the 2008 Farm Bill expanded food stamp eligibility, increased the minimum weekly benefit, and adjusted funding for many worthy programs such as food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and schools providing healthy snacks to students.

Trade:
I believe that U.S. Trade Representative must pursue fair trade -- not free trade -- which means ensuring greater market access for American agricultural products abroad while protecting America's farm families. To promote exports, I have been pleased to host several export conferences to give those in agribusiness and other industries access to export promotion professionals in a number of federal agencies, including the Export-Import Bank. Increasing exports means more jobs for Wisconsin workers, including those in agriculture and food processing.

Science and Research:
Research and scientific advancement allows today's farmers to be more productive, while protecting the environment. I am a strong supporter of agricultural research and have worked to secure federal funds to support that research. University of Wisconsin faculty members are on the cutting edge of agricultural research, and the UW Extension is a critical resource for Wisconsinites. I am proud of the research that is done in our state, and pleased that as your representative, I have been successful in providing federal assistance for those efforts, in addition to my other work to support agriculture.

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