Thank you for being here today as we consider H.R. 1029, The Pesticide Registration Enhancement Act of 2017, also known as PRIA. As we learned in our roundtable earlier this week, PRIA is a very technical bill, but the benefits are straightforward. It has produced predictable timelines for industry, new products for consumers, funds for completion of various registration activities, and funds for ... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, the grocery industry announced a nationwide effort to clear up consumer confusion regarding date labels on food packaging as part of an overarching effort to combat food waste. The initiative will streamline the phrasing used on food date labels by replacing over ten existing forms with two standard phrases. Most products will bear a “BEST If Used By” label that connotes ... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing to review the economic challenges facing rural America. Members heard from several witnesses who highlighted these factors, including low farm commodity prices, declining net farm income, tightening credit conditions, a strong dollar, and unfair trade practices by foreign competitors. “There is real potential for a crisis in ... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: Good morning. We ordinarily kick things off every year with the Secretary of Agriculture offering testimony as our one and only witness. However, our new Secretary has not yet been confirmed. I have visited with Governor Perdue a number of times now, I believe he is an excellent choice, and I hope that he can be confirmed in short order so that he may begin the im... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) announced subcommittee assignments for the 115th Congress. “From promoting a strong farm safety net to rolling back burdensome regulations on our producers, our subcommittees will play an integral role as this committee goes to work this Congress. The diverse background of my talented colleagues will be instrumenta... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Agriculture Committee met to formally organize and adopt the committee’s rules for the 115th Congress. “I am very excited to get to work crafting policies that will benefit America’s farmers and ranchers with the help of my esteemed colleagues this Congress. They each bring a different perspective to the table, which will be instrumental as we dive into writing ... Read more »
Remarks as prepared for delivery: I am thankful for the opportunity to serve another term as chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture during the 115th Congress. I, along with many of you on this Committee, represent rural America. We are their voice, and I consider that a privilege and great responsibility. Although we come from different areas of the country, we all understand the importanc... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) announced two key promotions at the committee. Matt Schertz, who currently serves as Policy Director, will become the Staff Director following the departure of Scott Graves later this month. In addition, Bart Fischer will be appointed Deputy Staff Director while continuing to serve as Chief Economist. “For the... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway issued the following statement upon the announcement of President-Elect Donald Trump's selection of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to be the nominee for Secretary of Agriculture. "Agriculture is the backbone of our nation. However, America's farmers and ranchers are facing difficult times under current farm condition... Read more »
Washington, D.C. - Today, Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service release of its new organic animal welfare standards. "I am disappointed to see yet another controversial rule pushed through during the final hours of the Obama administration. Not only do animal welfare... Read more »
