Agriculture

Agriculture is a major industry in Arkansas and the 1st Congressional District where over 90% of the region's jobs are tied to the industry. Our district is one of the top farming districts in the entire country, ranking number one in rice production, number four in cotton, and among the top ten for soybeans. We are proud of our strong farm economy, and our long-standing tradition of providing a safe, and secure food supply for America's consumers.

Unfortunately, times are difficult for our farm families in Arkansas, who face unprecedented fuel and fertilizer costs and significant crop damage from severe weather. Many of these farmers have foreclosed on their farms and are falling deeper and deeper into debt. This is not only bad for our rural communities, but jeopardizes the security of our food supply. The more we rely on other countries for agriculture products, the greater control they will have over the food on our table and the clothes on our backs.

As someone who has farmed rice and soybeans, served as Special Assistant to the President for Agriculture and Trade Assistance in the Clinton White House, and served on the House Agriculture Committee for five years, I understand the challenges facing our agriculture community. My colleagues and I from rural America are working hard to strengthen agriculture programs in Congress. We are committed to passing a strong Farm Bill for 2007, enforcing fair trade agreements, and increasing research and development funding for agriculture programs.

One of the best ways to sustain a strong farm economy is to explore new markets. Americans are tired of paying record prices for gasoline and want to see greater investment in alternative fuels like ethanol and biodiesel. This will not only reduce America's dependence on oil, but give rural America an important role in securing our energy supply. We need to expand tax incentives for biofuel production, invest in new research and technologies, and educate farmers about the resources available to enter this growing industry.

Congressional Research Service Reports

• Agriculture Issues in the 109th
• Previewing a 2007 Farm Bill
• Agriculture Disaster Assistance
• The FY2007 Budget Request for USDA

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