Missouri is a state rich in agriculture tradition. Senator Blunt understands that, as the state’s number one industry, agriculture is not only important, but a key driver in the nation’s economic recovery.

As the son of dairy farmers, Senator Blunt has always been deeply engaged in policies that affect our nation’s farming and food supply. He understands that the evolving agriculture industry needs leaders who understand the dynamics of other countries and the science to develop new technologies, infrastructure efficiency, and food safety. Senator Blunt remains committed to making sure that Missouri’s agriculture priorities are heard and that leaders on both sides of the aisle are well informed.

Missouri’s farmers and ranchers face the challenge of feeding, fueling, and clothing a growing world on less land using fewer resources. Senator Blunt supports continued investments in agricultural research and engineering so farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to stay competitive in the world market. In addition, he believes in maintaining an appropriate safety net, so that farmers are protected in volatile markets.

As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, Senator Blunt played a vital role in writing and passing the fiscal year 2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill. This legislation maintained vital support for research and extension at land grant universities, capacity building grants for non-land grant colleges of agriculture, and competitive funding under USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). The bill also included funding for conservation activities, housing and business loan programs for rural communities, domestic and international nutrition programs, and food and drug safety and eliminated burdensome new federal regulations for the livestock industry.

Agriculture is one of the few sectors of our economy that enjoys a trade surplus. Currently, Missouri exports support 37,000 jobs on the farm and off in food processing, storage and transportation. Over the past year, Senator Blunt has fought to increase Missouri’s agricultural exports through free trade agreements and greater access to global markets.  The passing of free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama, and Colombia will bring many economic opportunities for farmers and an estimated 20,000 agriculture-related jobs in the United States alone. 

In 1960, one farmer fed 25 people. Today, one farmer can feed 155 people – all the while continuing to reduce their impact on the environment. This is a testament to farmers’ and ranchers’ commitment to being one of the most efficient and technologically advanced industries in the world. Senator Blunt will work to make sure that Missouri’s 108,000 farms have the support they need to continue this progress into the future.