Today, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig delivered the following opening statement at today's full committee hearing titled "Examining the Economic Crisis in Farm Country." Watch the full meeting here.

Thank you, Chairman Thompson for organizing this extremely timely hearing on the economic crisis in farm country. Thank you to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for your commitment to helping our nation’s farmers achieve our historic mission to feed, clothe and fuel the world. And thank you to our witnesses here today to help us – and the country – better understand the crisis we are facing and perhaps more importantly, how the decisions we make as leaders can support you.

This Committee – more than most – has historically worked on a bipartisan basis to help give farmers and ranchers the certainty they need. Mr. Chairman, I look forward to working with you toward the goal of a bi-partisan Farm Bill that can get the support of the majority of Republicans and Democrats in the 119^thCongress. 

I don’t have to tell our witnesses that for most in farm country – folks have been struggling. My Minnesota farmers tell me every day. High input costs, low prices, stubborn inflation, bird flu, droughts, floods, changes in consumer behavior and general market volatility have made it increasingly difficult for America’s family farmers. We know that our farmers and producers across rural America wake up wondering whether they’ll get enough or too much rain this year; suffer an early frost; get the credit they need by planting season or have their fuel supply impacted by a war halfway around the world.

And that’s before the additional uncertainty injected into the conversation these past three weeks. Consider: grants dollars to farmers appropriated by Congress and already under contract with USDA have been frozen, trade wars with our largest trading partners – and largest export markets – have been threatened, food grown in America is rotting in a warehouse in Texas. 

We all know – just like before – that trade wars will inevitably lead to retaliatory tariffs on American farmers. We know that cutting off foreign food assistance programs also cuts off a major market and farm income. These actions hurt the rural communities and family farmers we represent on this committee. 

We know that Congress must also do its part to bring more certainty to farmers – and that brings me to the farm bill. Farmers need a new farm bill to provide some semblance of stability for their businesses and their families – one that strengthens the farm safety net, cuts red tape and provides opportunities for new and beginning farmers. 

The best farm bill is not the one that looks pretty on paper or makes promises it can’t deliver. It’s the one that has the votes to pass the House, the Senate and get signed into law. We stand ready to negotiate a bipartisan bill.

Farmers across the country, whether they use PLC, ARC or crop insurance, need a farm bill to keep feeding our communities and the world. 

Mr. Chairman, this Committee has always found a way for Democrats and Republicans to come together – with the common goal of supporting our farmers and rural communities and making sure our communities – no matter where they live – have food on the table. 

My grandfather was a farmer. I know it takes faith and a lot of hard work. I want to thank the witnesses before us today for doing all that you do to help feed, clothe and fuel this country. Your time and perspective are greatly appreciated.

Mr. Chairman, thank you for treating me to the Pennsylvania Ag Show, with you last month. And with that, I yield back.