In a bipartisan letter Monday, Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) wrote Senate Agriculture Committee leadership of their concerns for farmers.
In the letter, they asked the committee prioritize protecting crop insurance, farm safety net programs, disaster assistance programs, and also advocate for specialty crop producers by including them all in the current draft of the Senate Farm Bill.
A portion of the letter stated, “As Senators representing Georgia and Alabama, we write to express support for the careful consideration of Southeastern agricultural priorities throughout the Farm Bill drafting process.”
“Agriculture is one of the leading industries in both Georgia and Alabama, contributing billions annually to our states’ economies,” the letter said. “From pecans and peanuts, to cotton, specialty crops, and forests, Southeastern agriculture plays a significant role in our nation’s agricultural profile and should play a significant role in this year’s Farm Bill reauthorization process.”
Tuberville (R-Auburn), in a separate statement, emphasized the national importance of the region’s agriculture industry.
“When I came to Washington, I promised Alabama’s farmers that I would be their voice. Southeast agriculture is a vital part of our nation’s economy, and it only makes sense that we have a seat at the table for important negotiations like the Farm Bill,” he said. “Earning a spot on the Senate AG Committee was important to me because Alabama hasn’t had a strong presence on this committee since the late 1990s. Our agriculture and rural communities deserve better than that, and it’s an honor to fight for their priorities and interests.”
“Alabama’s farmers, foresters, and producers shoulder the burden of feeding, fueling, and clothing our nation. Our country not only relies on the current generation of farmers, but we’re depending on the next generation to carry the torch and keep not only the United States, but the world, food secure.”
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
