Chairwoman Stabenow: American Agriculture Meeting Demands of a Growing World, Facing Many Challenges

Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow

May 26, 2011

The story of agriculture over the last 50 years is one of incredible productivity gains and impressive conservation achievements. Today, every one American farmer feeds an estimated 150 people. And despite all of the economic and budget struggles over the last decade, agriculture has remained a bright spot: we continue to innovate, farmers have become even more productive, and they have become even better stewards of our land and water resources. And we are not only feeding the world because of that innovation, but we’re showing farmers in every corner of the world new strategies to be more productive themselves.

Today, as we officially kick off the process for the 2012 Farm Bill, we are starting in a different spot than we have in the past. Instead of the usual starting discussion, where we talk about all the various Farm Bill programs, we are focusing today on the principles that are important for this discussion: the ability of American agriculture to feed the world, why that is critically important, how American agriculture can help the world better feed itself, and the risks and challenges that come with that: meeting the demands for better stewardship while producing more with limited resources.

We have some great witnesses who will testify this morning. Secretary Vilsack is here, one of our nation’s greatest advocates for agriculture, rural development, conservation, and innovative farming. Our second panel is made up of leading experts who will talk about the importance of getting the Farm Bill right for not only American producers, but for consumers throughout the world.

This first hearing of the 2012 Farm Bill is a great first down the long, deliberative road this committee will undertake over the next year as we work to craft a bill that effectively meets our principles and priorities - and that helps American agriculture continue to lead the world in productivity, innovation, and sustainability.

It’s easy to take our agriculture policies for granted - to assume that without them, things would work just the same as they do now. But when we look back at history, we can only marvel at how far we have come.

I’ll use a current example - Today, people in the western edge of the Oklahoma panhandle are enduring the longest drought on record, with nearly 220 days without rain. That’s worse than the droughts experienced during the Dust Bowl. And yet, today, there are no dust storms … the topsoil isn’t blowing away. That’s a testament to the good work our farmers and ranchers have done thanks to voluntary conservation efforts in the Farm Bill.

So as we get started with this hearing today, let’s remember the 150 people who have food on the table thanks to an American farmer. Let’s celebrate our successes, and recognize the challenges ahead. Let’s keep focused on the principles, not the programs, that the Farm Bill should accomplish. And let’s continue to work together to make sure that American agriculture remains prosperous and successful for years to come.