Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit held a hearing to review the rural development and energy programs in the 2014 Farm Bill. Members of the committee heard from a broad panel of witnesses who utilize rural development and renewable energy loan and grant programs, and who support rural development initiatives.

“One of the most important commitments this committee makes to producers is to help provide the support and infrastructure necessary to make a living in rural America. The work that farmers and ranchers do every day is pivotal to our survival. These rural development initiatives are key to ensuring that small, sometimes isolated, communities have basic services like clean water, reliable electricity, and phone service, as well as expanded employment opportunities. As the committee begins to craft the next farm bill, we will look for ways to improve on the initiatives in place and to grow more opportunities for rural communities,” Subcommittee Chairman Austin Scott (R-GA) said.

“American agriculture has thrived over the last century in part due to significant public investment in rural infrastructure. If we are going to maintain that success over the next century while meeting a host of new demands, we must continue to invest in strategic rural development and energy initiatives. For an inherently risky business like agriculture, these investments help connect producers with the global economy while expanding opportunities in rural communities,” House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) said.