U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman delivered an opening statement at a hearing for the nomination of Richard Fordyce as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation. The hearing took place in Washington.
In his prepared statement, Chairman Boozman acknowledged Fordyce's extensive experience, stating: “Mr. Fordyce, congratulations on your nomination. Thank you for your willingness to serve, again." He noted Fordyce's background in operating a family farm and his previous roles in state government and at the USDA during President Trump's first term.
Boozman emphasized the importance of Fordyce's role amid current challenges faced by American agriculture. He remarked: "Your nomination comes at a crucial time for American agriculture," highlighting issues such as depressed commodity prices, high input costs, and natural disasters.
The chairman expressed appreciation for ongoing efforts at the USDA to implement various assistance programs and stressed the need for modernization within farm loan limits. He stated: “We need to modernize current farm loan limits which have not kept pace with an increasingly capital-intensive industry."
Additionally, Boozman pointed out the necessity of reducing approval times for farm loans and lowering hurdles for young farmers aiming to expand their operations. He urged that FSA programs be maximized efficiently to support new generations of farmers.
He concluded by expressing anticipation to hear from Fordyce on these issues and congratulated him once more on his nomination.
