U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman called on Mar. 10 for new policies to boost domestic consumption of American-grown agricultural products during the first in a series of committee hearings with industry leaders.
The issue is significant as U.S. farmers face financial stress due to unprofitable crop prices and increasing costs. Boozman said that no row crop is currently profitable and highlighted that Arkansas now leads the nation in Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies.
“Good afternoon. It is my privilege to call this hearing to order. I thank my colleagues for joining us,” Boozman said in his opening statement as prepared for delivery. He continued, “Today’s hearing comes at a time of great financial stress for America’s farmers. If you are putting something in the ground, you are losing money. It doesn’t matter what you are planting or where you are planting it, no row crop is currently profitable. In my home state of Arkansas, the last three years have been absolutely punishing.” He added that he remains committed to pursuing additional financial assistance for farmers through programs such as the Farmer Bridge Assistance program announced by President Trump.
Boozman also addressed challenges from international trade partners and emphasized the need to develop more robust domestic markets: “It is clear that China is not a dependable trading partner and that Brazil is doing everything it can to take over the agriculture markets that traditionally have been dominated by the United States.” He commended efforts by the administration to pursue new markets but stressed, “Our recent experiences have made me think about how we can build more robust domestic markets that will not subject our producers to the whims of foreign governments. This hearing is intended to begin that conversation.”
The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee addresses issues related to food, nutrition, hunger, rural affairs both domestically and internationally according to its official website. The committee operates as part of the U.S. Senate according to its official website and comprises 23 senators who provide bipartisan oversight according to its official website. It manages policies related to agricultural economics, human nutrition, crop insurance, forestry, pests and pesticides, and rural development according to its official website. Boozman serves as chair with Amy Klobuchar acting as ranking member according to its official website. The committee features five subcommittees specializing in areas like commodities, rural development, conservation, food and nutrition, and livestock safety according to its official website.
The committee provides oversight for agricultural policies including research funding, price supports and international trade agreements; it also manages issues such as crop insurance programs and rural development through comprehensive legislation focused on commodity supports, conservation efforts and food safety according to its official website.
Looking ahead at future hearings with processors, manufacturers and retailers on this topic Boozman concluded: “In the coming weeks and months, the committee will continue to explore this topic… Domestic market development will remain my priority as Chairman.”
