On Friday, January 13, Glenn "GT" Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, hosted a bipartisan group of legislators at the Pennsylvania Farm Show for his annual listening session. This year, Mr. Thompson was joined by Representatives Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Austin Scott (GA-08), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Mary Miller (IL-15), Mark Alford (MO-04), and Derrick Van Orden (WI-03).
The event featured 20 stakeholder speakers representing a diverse cross-section of the agriculture industry, including dairy, forestry, cattle, specialty crops, processors, and more. Full list of speakers here >>>
WATCH THE FULL LISTENING SESSION HERE
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WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Chairman GT Thompson: "I was thrilled to be joined by a bipartisan group of my Congressional colleagues at the Pennsylvania Farm Show to showcase Pennsylvania agriculture and host our first Congressional Listening Session. Bringing together a diverse group of producers, processors, advocates, and stakeholders to hear what's working, what isn't, and how we can do better is a key part of the Farm Bill process. I look forward to many more successful events and thank the Members and speakers in attendance for their commitment to our rural communities." Watch opening remarks here >>>
Rep. Chellie Pingree: "Having the opportunity to hear directly from farmers on the ground about solutions to address the challenges they’re facing is a promising start to the Farm Bill process. I appreciate Mr. Thompson convening this bipartisan field hearing in his state and hope we can hold others in the months to come. I’m eager to bring the ideas we heard in Harrisburg back to Washington and seize this once-every-five-years opportunity to craft a truly bipartisan bill that both supports our farmers and a sustainable food system." Watch closing remarks here >>>
Rep. Austin Scott: "As we begin writing the next Farm Bill, it’s vital to hear from farmers and producers about what’s working and what needs to be fixed. I thank everyone who attended and contributed to those conversations in Pennsylvania this weekend, and I thank Chairman Thompson for his leadership and commitment to crafting a Farm Bill that meets the needs of everyone - from the farm to the dinner table." Watch closing remarks here >>>
Rep. Doug LaMalfa: "We have a lot to get done this year to ensure we create the best Farm Bill possible for our members of the agriculture industry. I want to thank Chairman Thompson for hosting us and leading our committee at this critical time. I trust that under his leadership, we can craft an extensive legislative package that benefits producers, processors, transporters, retailers, and consumers from coast to coast." Watch closing remarks here >>>
Rep. Dwight Evans: "I appreciate the bipartisan invitation from my Pennsylvania colleague! I enjoyed serving with him on the Agriculture Committee, and I look forward to working with him on the upcoming Farm Bill on shared priorities, like supporting Pennsylvania farmers and producers and ensuring that children, families and seniors across the Commonwealth and the nation can access fresh, healthy food." Watch closing remarks here >>>
Rep. Dan Meuser: "The farmers and producers in Pennsylvania are at the heart of providing food for families across the Commonwealth and the nation. They persevered in the face of some remarkable challenges over the past few years and continue to innovate and move forward. We heard from farmers in the 9th District and elsewhere about the opportunities and challenges confronting the industry, and their ideas to improve the Farm Bill that Congress will tackle this year." Watch closing remarks here >>>
Rep. Mary Miller: "It was an honor to join Chairman GT Thompson and members of the House Committee on Agriculture in a visit to the Pennsylvania Farm Show. I appreciated hearing from fellow farmers about their vision for Rural America as our committee prepares to draft this year’s Farm Bill. It is important for Congress to promote policies that work for the farm economy and production agriculture, and I am confident that we will be able to deliver that with Chairman Thompson’s leadership." Watch closing remarks here >>>
Rep. Mark Alford: "I’m thankful for Chairman GT Thompson’s leadership and invitation to join him, along with members of the House Agriculture Committee, to listen to the concerns and questions of the agriculture community. My commitment this Congress is to NEVER stop fighting for the needs of the farmers and ranchers in our District and I’ll stand as THEIR voice in the upcoming Farm Bill!" Watch closing remarks here >>>
Rep. Derrick Van Orden: "Farmers are among the hardest working people in the nation. That’s why I’m looking forward to serving on the Agriculture Committee, being the dairy and cheese expert in Congress, and standing up for the men and women who feed and clothe Wisconsin and America." Watch closing remarks here >>>
IN THE NEWS
Politico Pro: House Ag Chair: It's 'crunch time' for the farm bill. Read Here >>>
Farm Progress: Legislators Convene at PA Farm Show to Discuss 2023 Farm Bill. Read Here >>>
Penn Live: Pa.’s Thompson takes over U.S. House Agriculture Committee with a full agenda. Read Here >>>
Brownfield Ag News: Crop Insurance, Labor Part of Pennsylvania Farm Bill Discussion. Read Here >>>
Agri Talk: Chairman Thompson talks Farm Bill with Chip Flory and Jim Wiesemeyer. Listen Here >>>
SUBMIT YOUR FARM BILL FEEDBACK
An integral part of the oversight and review process for future Farm Bills is getting direct input from producers, stakeholders, and consumers on how various programs are working for them. Submit your feedback here >>>
