Agriculture

I am proud to serve on the House Committee on Agriculture, which has jurisdiction over federal agriculture policy and oversight of most federal agricultural agencies. While management of farm programs is certainly an important area of focus, 65% of the matters dealt with by the Committee are nutrition-based, such as regulation and oversight of programs that fund in-school meals and emergency food providers. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, I am committed to increasing access to healthy foods, eliminating food deserts, and protecting safety net programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Rep. Fudge's Farm Bill Achievements

Farm Bill Conferee Rep. Fudge was selected as the Minority Leader's representative on the Farm Bill Conference Committee.

Securing Credit for Underserved Communities Rep. Fudge was able to include language to improve federal agricultural credit programs to better meet the needs of small, young, beginning, veteran, and urban farmers and ranchers by establishing a microloan program that would provide these farmers access to small loans and capital. She was also able to include language to expand the availability of Youth Operating Loans to all children, regardless if they are rural, urban, or suburban.

Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Rep. Fudge successfully amended the FARRM bill to include an amendment that established a policy research center on socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Program (FFVP) Rep. Fudge amended the FARRM bill to allow schools to serve more fruits and vegetables in all forms (frozen, canned, and dried) under the USDA’s FFVP. Allowing other forms of fruit is fiscally responsible when the cost of fresh produce may not be economical, especially in certain seasons and climates.

Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) Rep. Fudge successfully amended the FARRM bill by adding the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, which combats the lack of healthy food retail through a public private initiative that would allow for the leveraging of millions in private capital at the national level.

Central State University Rep. Fudge successfully fought for Central State University to become an 1890 land grant university or institution, which will ultimately allow it to build out its agricultural program.

Meeting with traditional farmers in Ohio and urban agricultural producers has given them an opportunity to share their concerns with me. I welcomed USDA officials to the district in 2012. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and I welcomed news of funding for a Cleveland seasonal high tunnel initiative for the Eleventh District.