As the home of the majority of Kentucky’s family farming operations, the First District provides numerous incentives for farmers to expand and diversify their businesses. Agriculture is the lifeblood of the First District’s rural economy. However, low grain prices, poor weather conditions, and insects have made it difficult for some farmers to stabilize farm income and show a profit from year to year. In response, I have been a tireless advocate in Congress for agriculture by ensuring agriculture commodities have adequate safety nets and access to the newest technologies.
In 2002, Congress reauthorized the Farm Bill providing much needed reform to conservation, energy, rural development, nutrition, and commodity programs. As a result of Congress’s efforts, Kentucky farmers have shown some of the highest returns on their crops in recent years. Now, as Congress prepares to reauthorize the Farm Bill in 2007, we must ensure that a level playing field is continued for the agriculture industry. This next farm bill is an excellent opportunity to revisit many of these programs to guarantee technologies are still applicable and also make certain that subsidies do not distort or limit trade with other countries. In order to ensure ample markets and pave the way for the next farm bill, Congress passed the Central American Free Trade Agreement, which is estimated to boost agricultural trade by $1.5 billion when fully implemented.
Tobacco
In 2004, Congress helped expand and rejuvenate the farming community by passing the Tobacco Buyout, which provided farmers and quota owners with $2.3 billion in Kentucky alone. The Tobacco Buyout reformed an outdated program by helping farmers diversify tobacco operations and making U.S. leaf more competitive in foreign markets. This was an enormous achievement for all of Kentucky and the economic benefits will be felt for the next ten years.
Renewables
Farmers not only provide food and fiber to communities in the U.S. and abroad, but they have also recently been asked to help reduce America's reliance to oil. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I have used my seat to advance ethanol and biodiesel operations in the First District. Although the renewable fuel industry is a relatively new industry, advancements in this sector will certainly be an asset to First District farmers and the U.S. In 2005, Congress enacted the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which authorizes new alternative fuel programs and extends biodiesel tax credits through 2008. I am pleased that the First District has already proven itself to be a leader in the development and use of these fuels. The Commonwealth Agri-Energy Ethanol plant in Hopkinsville is the largest producer of bioethanol in Kentucky. Each year millions of bushels of corn will be used to produce over 30 million gallons of ethanol with plans to expand to 50 million. In addition, this facility is locally owned by two groups of farmer investors: the Kentucky Corn Growers' Association and the Hopkinsville Elevator Cooperative. I will continue working to support this industry that benefits our farmers, consumers, and environment.
Awards
As a result of my efforts in Congress, I have been given several awards which include the Kentucky Farm Bureau Friend of the Farmer Award and a Certificate of Appreciation by the National Association of Wheat Growers. I am pleased to serve the agriculture interest as your federal representative.
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