Congresswoman Cheri Bustos

Representing the 17th District of Illinois
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Agriculture & Rural Development

Fighting For Agriculture and Rural Development

Some of the world’s richest farmland is in the 17th District, and as our number one industry, agriculture supports our economy in a variety of ways.

Our region is the home to thousands of farmers and millions of acres of farmland.  It is a world leader in agricultural products, including grain and oilseed production, as well as hogs and cattle. 

It is also home to the headquarters of large manufacturing employers Caterpillar and Deere & Co., which employ thousands of workers.

Additionally, the USDA research center in Peoria is at the forefront of finding new uses for crops and creating new technology that improves environmental quality and food safety.

We need to sustain and enhance our agricultural economy and take advantage of our natural resources, using them as tools of economic competitiveness and growth.  We have an abundant supply of soil, wind, sunshine and water in our region that we can make into the foundation for new ethanol, biodiesel, hydroelectric power, solar and wind energy.

As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, and the Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee and the Livestock and Rural Development Subcommittee, I will fight each and every day for our region’s agricultural community. 

My vision for strengthening our agricultural economy, both in rural areas and small towns, is anchored in growth and sustainability:

  • Support alternative energy projects via low interest revolving loan funds.
  • Promote LEEDS certification in new buildings and retrofitting existing buildings to meet higher sustainability standards.
  • Improve broadband access to underserved and rural communities.
  • Focus eco-energy industrial parks on assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses.
  • Eliminate trade barriers that hinder U.S. agricultural product exportation.

More on Agriculture & Rural Development

Nov 21, 2014
Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement that they will delay issuing a new Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rule in 2014:
Sep 16, 2014
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack traveled to Rock Island County on Monday to announce a new round of conservation innovation grants, and he also had what might be considered some mildly encouraging words about the Obama administration's pending proposal to change the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Aug 8, 2014

 MONMOUTH — Conceived in 2013, the interdisciplinary food security program is a relatively new incorporation to Monmouth College's tradition of splicing different areas of study together in order achieve a unified goal.

The program follows a number of different avenues in order to answer the overarching question, "Will the Midwest hold the key to solving hunger?"

Jul 1, 2014
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos grew up in Springfield, but her family roots run deep in rural Illinois.
Jun 13, 2014

This week, President Obama signed into law legislation to make major -- and critically needed -- improvements to our nation's water infrastructure.

The Water Resources Reform and Development Act is the result of months of successful negotiations between the House and Senate, and one of only a few bipartisan accomplishments of this Congress.

Speaking from both sides of the Capitol, we wish there were more.

Jun 13, 2014
Cheers to U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline, and U.S. Sens. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., for putting before President Obama legislation he signed this week we hope leads to an update of Illinois' critical lock and dam system.
Jun 10, 2014
Today, key provisions of Congresswoman Cheri Bustos’ bipartisan legislation to help speed up needed repairs and upgrades to the aging locks and dams on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers was signed into law by President Obama.
Feb 7, 2014
Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement applauding President Obama signing the Farm Bill into law today in Michigan.
Feb 7, 2014
As a young girl growing up in central Illinois, few things made me happier than my family’s trips to my grandparents' farm in Milford.
Feb 4, 2014
Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, issued the following statement applauding the Senate’s passage of the first bipartisan, five-year Farm Bill since 2008.

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