Issues: Agriculture

Agriculture is a $6.3 billion industry for the state of Arizona. With roughly 7,300 farms and ranches throughout the state, Arizona produces a wide variety of commodities from cattle, cotton, and hay, to lettuce, tomatoes, and many other specialty products.

It is no secret that the best steward of the environment is the American farmer and rancher. I strongly believe that it is vital that farmers and ranchers are provided with the tools and resources to manage their resources effectively. The 2002 Farm Bill which directs all federal agricultural policy is set to expire in 2007 and as Congress works to improve agricultural policy for our nation’s farmers and ranchers, I believe that we must work to ensure that Arizona producers have a strong voice at the table during the process.

That is why I was proud to bring the first federal agricultural policy hearing to Arizona in nearly 50 years. Recently the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on General Commodities and Risk Management came to Arizona to hear from producers firsthand and see what federal programs are working and learn ways that we can improve agriculture policy. During the hearing, Agriculture Committee Members learned that much of rural Arizona is comprised of public land. This must be addressed in the next Farm Bill so we can ensure the protection of the values of agriculture and ensure funding to keep our farmers and ranchers in business.

In addition, I have introduced a Cattleman's Bill of Rights, legislation to ensure that ranchers have an opportunity to participate in the NEPA process. This bill will hold employees of federal land management agencies personally responsible for their actions if they unnecessarily interfere with local ranching activities and require these federal employees to undergo sensitivity training so they understand rural life. Many times, federal employees come from urban areas and are dropped into rural Arizona with virtually no understanding or appreciation for our rural traditions.

The federal government needs to be sensitive to all American interests and respect our rural way of life. As Congress works on Federal agricultural policy for the 21st Century, A Cattlemen's Bill of Rights and a stronger voice in federal farm policy are important steps forward. I will continue to work to protect Arizona’s rural way of life and fight for the many people in America who still make their living off the land.

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