U.S. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin C. Peterson, D-Minn., today announced the Democratic Ranking Members and Subcommittee membership for the House Agriculture Committee’s six Subcommittees.

Agriculture and rural America play such an important role in our economy. With the appointment of Perdue, who has a background in agriculture, I am hopeful we will get a better sense of the incoming administration's policy plans for rural America.

The Agriculture Committee's new and returning members are ready to get to work on the wide variety of issues overseen by the Committee, including reauthorizing the 2014 Farm Bill. I look forward to working with them and the Republican members of the Committee this Congress

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the bill. The bill went too far last Congress and it goes too far now. The Commission, in my opinion, just needs a simple reauthorization.

“Today, I am pleased that the Environmental Protection Agency has gotten the Renewable Fuel Standard back on schedule and released more robust, final volume obligations for 2017,” Peterson said. “I have advocated continuously for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard and for EPA to match Congressional intent. This is an important step towards strengthening confidence in the biofuels industry and maintaining a strong rural economy.”

We’ve covered a lot of issues but the overwhelming theme of the testimony has shown us that while there are some areas for improvement, SNAP works. We’ve also heard testimony opposing efforts to block grant SNAP and on the importance of keeping SNAP within the farm bill. I hope we can keep these themes in mind as we start work on the farm bill next year.

Now, as we’re all aware, the Administration has taken steps to ease both trade and travel restrictions. This is a good step but there is still more work that we can do to open this market to American agricultural products. I would like to see the embargo lifted but am doubtful that it’s politically possible to do so now.

Today’s announcement is welcome news. The combination of declining milk prices and record high cheese stocks has left many dairy farmers struggling. Through this cheese purchase, both farmers and those utilizing USDA nutrition programs, will get some relief. Additionally, dairy farmers will have more time to enroll in MPP and protect themselves against potential future volatility.

In a letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack the lawmakers said extending the sign up period would encourage additional participation. “We believe an extension to December 31 should be made permanent to give producers additional time to make informed decisions and to improve program participation,” the lawmakers wrote.

I believe this is a good compromise. It’s another example of what the Agriculture Committee has consistently done so well. No one gets everything they want but, at the end of the day, I believe this bill will provide the transparency consumers crave while, at the same time, allow continued innovation in food production.