Inviting Your Ideas on Ag Policy

February 15, 2011 Agriculture has always been the backbone of Nebraska’s economy. Our state’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities are directly impacted by our nation’s ag policy, which is up for renewal. The farm bill is passed every five years or so by Congress, shaping programs that deal with agriculture, nutrition, trade and a matrix of policies that affect all Americans. As the sun begins to set on the 2008 farm bill and ideas take shape on its renewal, listening to the ideas of those who feed our growing world becomes even more important. That’s why I'm seeking your insight. Some ideas for the upcoming farm bill have already surfaced and committee hearings are likely to be added to the Senate calendar in the coming months, making the time ripe to hear your thoughts on what our ag policy should look like. As citizens of a top ag-producing state, Nebraskans’ perspectives are critical to the success of farm programs. That’s why I will be hosting Nebraska Ag Policy Perspectives, a series of open forums across Nebraska. My first forum will be February 24 at the Burwell American Legion at noon, and I’d like to invite all farmers, ranchers, rural development representatives and anyone with ideas about ag policy to come share your thoughts. Those who cannot attend the Burwell event will have opportunities to participate in other forums across the state. I invite you to visit my website at www.johanns.senate.gov to get information as upcoming forums are scheduled and to learn more about ag policy. I've also created a farm bill contact form on my website so you can easily share your ideas as the farm bill begins to take shape. A strong agriculture sector is important not only to the health of our state’s economy, but the economy of our entire nation. For proof, look no further than a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing this week that addresses the resounding importance of agriculture to our country’s economy. A recently-released report from USDA shows American farm exports reached an all-time high last year—which alone support nearly one million jobs in the U.S. I have the honor of serving on the Senate Ag Committee, which will play an important role in upcoming discussions and development of future ag policy. Just as families, businesses, and state and local governments across the country are tightening their belts, the federal government must do the same. With less wiggle room, your voices will be crucial to understanding not only which programs are critical to your success, but also those that could be improved to more wisely utilize your tax dollars. Your perspectives will help pave the path for policy that expands opportunities in rural America and maintains a strong safety net for producers in a responsible manner so you can continue to feed the world. The success of our state is directly tied to the success of our farmers and ranchers, and I look forward to hearing from you to make the 2012 farm bill a win for Nebraska and our nation. Together, we can help shape ag policy that will empower our farmers and ranchers to continue leading the way in agriculture.