Agriculture & Rural Development

Agriculture has long been the mainstay of the South Texas economy. However, in many parts of the 15th District, increasing urbanization is moving rural economies away from their agricultural base toward a service and industrial economy. This creates unique challenges for rural communities. Providing access to services, adequate housing, employment opportunities for young people and supporting farmers and ranchers are critical if rural communities are to thrive. Congressman Hinojosa knows the difficulties farmers, ranchers and rural communities face and has worked to open new world markets for agricultural products and to provide federal assistance when needed.

Congressman Hinojosa has supported trade agreements to open new markets for South Texas agricultural products in China, Africa and the Caribbean. At the same time, he is scrutinizing new proposals such as the Korea, Colombia and Peru Free Trade Agreements to make sure that South Texas farmers are protected from unfair competition.

As co-founder of the Congressional Rural Housing Caucus, Congressman Hinojosa has fought to maintain funding for critical programs that help rural communities build affordable housing and repair substandard housing.

Hinojosa was a strong supporter of the Farm Security Act that set federal farm policy for the next five years. The bill made needed reforms to the federal payment system that will more equitably compensate farmers for loss.

Farm workers are critical to the U.S. agriculture industry. Congressman Hinojosa is a cosponsor of the Ag Jobs bill that has broad support in both the labor and agribusiness community. The bill will allow farm workers to legalize their status and provides for an expedited guest worker program.