Pulaski Times

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, participated in a field hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. The hearing, titled “Perspectives on the Future of Agriculture Research and Technology,” was held at Grand Farm in Fargo, North Dakota.

In his prepared opening statement, Boozman expressed gratitude to Senator John Hoeven for hosting the event in North Dakota. He highlighted that this visit marked his third consecutive year attending as the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry.

"It is great to be here to discuss innovation in agriculture and the opportunities that exist for the industry through research advancements in technologies like precision agriculture," Boozman stated.

He commended Grand Farm for their efforts in developing solutions to agricultural challenges and ensuring new technologies reach farms. Boozman also acknowledged Senators Klobuchar and Smith's presence at the hearing.

Boozman emphasized agriculture's critical role in rural economies across states like North Dakota, Minnesota, and Arkansas. He noted common concerns among producers nationwide regarding trade importance, infrastructure investments, interest rates, and input costs affecting profitability.

"This farm bill must absolutely put producers first," he said. "Although our efforts to draft a new farm bill are taking a little longer than expected... more important than just getting this done is getting it right."

The senator outlined that agricultural research and innovation are key areas under scrutiny during the farm bill process to ensure future opportunities for new technologies. He mentioned that Republicans on the agriculture committee proposed doubling funding for agricultural research through various initiatives.

Boozman stressed that many research programs authorized by the farm bill rely on appropriations from committees like Senator Hoeven’s subcommittee. He underscored broadband infrastructure investments as crucial for enabling access to research results and precision agriculture technologies.

"Precision agriculture technologies are helping our producers be better stewards of our environment," he added.

He looked forward to insights from U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, Under Secretary Chavonda Jacobs-Young, and other witnesses regarding barriers to innovation in agriculture.

Boozman concluded by expressing appreciation for Mr. Harrison Pittman's participation at the hearing. Pittman is Director of the National Agricultural Law Center at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

"We are grateful for his expertise as we confront some of the legal implications of applying new and emerging technologies in agriculture," Boozman said.

The senator thanked Hoeven once again for organizing what he described as an important discussion.