Washington Report: Celebrate National Agriculture Week

Rep.Adrian Smith

 

Americans will celebrate National Agriculture Week from March 23-29 to recognize the contributions of farmers, ranchers, and supporting industries to our economy and well-being.  The efficiency and forward thinking of our producers is making it possible to meet the food demands of a growing world population with fewer inputs and less waste.

The House of Representatives will again show our appreciation for the success of modern agriculture by dedicating a statue of the late Dr. Norman E. Bourlaug in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.  Dr. Bourlaug is known as America’s greatest agriculture scientist and as the father of modern agriculture.  His work to improve wheat has helped to feed populations around the globe.

However, it is not enough to show our appreciation for modern agriculture, the House must also work to remove government imposed barriers to agriculture’s success.  In the next 50 – 100 years, it is estimated we will need to produce more food than we have throughout most of human history combined.  Further complicating matters, producers will have to meet this demand with less land, energy, and water.

Arbitrary government regulations and unnecessary harassment from federal agencies only make it more difficult for producers to increase their productivity and make the advancements necessary to feed the world.  Farmers and ranchers should not be the enemy of the federal government and I am working through my Regulation Rewind initiative to identify and address the government imposed barriers to their success.

Too often regulations and rules are proposed by Washington bureaucrats in the name of ‘environmental protection’ or ‘food safety,’ with no basis in sound science or an understanding of how their implementation will affect producers and consumers.  As co-chairman of the House Modern Agriculture caucus, I am working to bring an awareness of agriculture issues to Washington.  For example, in coming weeks the caucus will host briefings for Representatives and staff on plant science.  We will discuss the importance of ag research and developments which are allowing American growers to remain competitive using fewer resources such as water, fertilizer, and pesticides. 

It is important lawmakers, regulators, and our trading partners recognize these products are safe and nutritious.  Innovation will allow growers worldwide to meet current and future demands, but we must not allow misperceptions, rumors, and unproven theories to undermine sound science and advances in agriculture. Doing this will only force production outside our borders.

As Nebraskans, we have much to be thankful for as we celebrate National Agriculture Week as well as many challenges ahead.  Please join me in thanking the many producers who work tirelessly to support our economy and feed the world.