Agriculture

Ever since I arrived in Washington, I have been working to improve the future of agriculture in Oklahoma.  I recognize the importance of the family farm to our state and to this nation.  I served as a conferee on the 2002 and 2008 Farm bills.  Additionally, I have worked to provide tax relief, less government regulation and promote fair trade in agriculture.  I will continue to be a strong voice for production agriculture and work to ensure that farmers have the necessary resources to not survive, but to thrive.

As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Rural Development, and Research, I have long been a champion of voluntary agriculture conservation programs. During the drafting of the 2002 Farm Bill, I worked to secure the largest ever increase in programs such as Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Reserve Program, and many others.  In the 2008 Farm Bill, I advocated for renewable energy provisions to be included in the farm bill which would allow rural areas to play a larger role in making the U.S. less dependent on foreign sources of energy.  I am proud that the 2008 Farm Bill devotes a funding stream to renewable energy research, development, and production.

I have been proud to receive recognition from various agriculture groups for my work in support of their concerns.  The American Farm Bureau Federation has presented me with its “Friend of Farm Bureau” award for supporting Farm Bureau issues in Congress in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006.  In both 2002 and 2003, the National Farmers Union recognized me with the “Presidential Award for Leadership” for issues important to rural America.  NFU also recognized me with the “Golden Triangle Award”, which is given to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership on issues affecting family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. In 2002 the Oklahoma Wheat Commission presented me with their “Staff of Life” award for voting in favor of wheat growers and farmers 100 percent of the time.  And for two years running, the National Association of Wheat Growers named me one of only 11 “Wheat Champion” Members of Congress for superior action in Congress in support of the wheat industry.

Press Releases Related to Agriculture

• (8/6/2008)  Lucas Statement on USDA Decision to Grant Emergency Haying on CRP Land to Most Oklahoma Counties
• (8/4/2008)  Lucas Applauds USDA Decision to Lower CRP Usage Fee in Cimarron, Texas, Beaver
• (7/24/2008)  Rep. Frank Lucas Statement on the Court Decision Restoring CRP Haying and Grazing
• (7/16/2008)  Counties in Oklahoma Granted Disaster Designation by U.S. Department of Agriculture
• (7/10/2008)  Lucas Applauds USDA Drought Relief to Farmers and Ranchers in Cimarron and Texas Counties
• (7/3/2008)  Inhofe - Coburn - Lucas Working to Bring Relief to Farmers and Ranchers Suffering from Drought in NW Oklahoma
• (7/19/2007)  Lucas Moves Cellulosic Ethanol Program Through Ag Committee
• (5/22/2007)  Lucas Energy Programs Clear Ag Panel
• (1/19/2007)  Lucas To Serve As Ranking Member On Agriculture Subcommittee
• (1/10/2007)  Lucas To Introduce Bill To Help Blizzard, Drought Losses