Stabenow Promises a Centrist Approach on Farm Bill

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By JERRY HAGSTROM*

EXCERPT: In her first major speech on agriculture, incoming Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., told a Michigan agribusiness audience today that she is planning a series of farm bill hearings and pledged to be a centrist force in resolving environmental issues facing agriculture. Although Stabenow is best known for her work on the specialty crops title of the farm bill, she noted that Michigan produces a wide variety of agricultural products and that forestry is also a key part of the industry. She also said that innovation and biotechnology are needed to feed the growing world population. Stabenow said she would hold a series of hearings on the farm bill, including field hearings across Michigan to hear people’s thoughts, and that she also wants to put together a national email newsletter to keep people up to date on the work of the Agriculture committee. She noted the problems of dairy farmers and a recent frost affecting grape producers in Michigan.

*THE HAGSTROM REPORT is a news service providing original national and international agricultural news to our subscribers. We cover Congressional hearings, markups and press conferences in Washington D.C., and farm meetings throughout the United States. Sign up for a free trial HERE.