WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) delivered the following opening statement at the hearing “Perspectives from the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy, Part II.”
The following is Boozman’s opening statement as prepared for delivery.
“Good morning and welcome.
“It is my privilege to call this hearing to order. I would like to thank our witnesses for taking time away from your families and your farms to share your expertise with our committee today.
“Before we get started, I want to take a moment to thank Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for her announcement today on a bold strategy to address avian influenza. This virus continues to threaten our poultry and dairy farmers, with ripple effects throughout the food supply chain. I applaud the Trump administration for prioritizing a response from day one.
“This hearing is the second in a series to examine the state of the agricultural economy, by getting the perspective of leading producers across our country.
“These hearings are meant to help the Committee understand the challenges our farmers and rural communities currently face as we work to pass a five-year farm bill.
“In our first hearing, we heard from some of our major farm groups and row crop producers about their unique experiences. Today, I am delighted to welcome two additional important constituencies to the discussion.
“First, we will hear from several specialty crop growers and stakeholders from various parts of the country.
“The specialty crop industry continues to face unique pressures—the high cost of labor, competition with cheap imports, pest and disease challenges, limited access to risk management tools, and the list goes on.
“Our second panel will feature livestock, poultry, and dairy producers. While they have seen some improvement in economic conditions in recent years, significant headwinds remain.
“Livestock production remains highly capital intensive, and high interest rates and elevated production costs have trimmed margins. Animal disease threats like avian influenza and new world screwworm have added tremendous uncertainty across all species.
“Burdensome government regulation at both the federal and state level have also threatened the viability of livestock operations.
“For example, California’s Proposition 12 has required many of our pork producers to spend millions of dollars retrofitting their barns, while costing California consumers nearly $300 million annually.
“In the next farm bill, it is critical we improve risk management tools to support both our specialty crop and livestock producers. It is important to continue investing in our research and marketing programs.
“We must invest in our animal health programs to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks. And we must address regulatory overreach burdening all producers.
“I am confident the members on this committee stand willing and ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work in passing a farm bill. I look forward to hearing from today’s witnesses, and I now turn to Ranking Member Klobuchar for her opening comments.”