The State of Michigan produces the second largest number of agricultural commodities in the nation  (only California has more).  Our farmers produce roughly 200 different food and fiber products.   Every year, the Congressman tours farms in his district, listening to the concerns of farmers and discussing how Congress can help ensure that all Michigan farmers are able to provide food for our tables now and into the future.

Congressman Dingell was proud to support the Farm Bill, which was enacted on June 18, 2008.  As someone who understands that farming is an inherently risky profession, he felt the legislation made family farmers a priority by maintaining and strengthening the critical safety net programs farmers relied on, while also supporting the development of renewable energy and increasing support for nutrition programs that help families in need.

In both the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bill debates, Congressman Dingell fought to expand farm conservation and bolster farm income by rewarding farmers for sound conservation practices.  Programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program and the Wetlands Reserve Program provide valuable incentives for farmers and ranchers who work to improve our environment and protect against urban sprawl.  As the House Committee on Agriculture begins discussions on the 2012 Farm Bill Congressman Dingell will continue to fight for these programs, and others, that are important to the farmers and producers in the 15th District.

Congressman Dingell also believes that the agriculture industry shows great promise for its contributions to our nation’s energy supply through ethanol, biodiesel and other alternative fuels. These products burn cleaner, reduce American dependence on foreign oil, and are produced right here in the United States.

In addition to conservation and economics, Congressman Dingell has worked hard to provide assistance in the science of farming, making sure that when a plant or animal disease strikes America’s farms the United States Department of Agriculture has the resources necessary to provide answers.

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