I always like to begin these conversations by recognizing the incredible work that farmers and foresters in New Hampshire and across the country are already doing to mitigate climate change.

Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for holding this important hearing, the very first hearing dedicated specifically to addressing climate change in our Committee.

We need to do more to focus our nationwide effort around farm transitions and ensuring that the next generation of farmers get off to the right start.

I believe this value-added program will only grow in demand as small family farmers and producers seek to diversify their products and make connections with local consumers.

As the chair of our bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Taskforce, I very much look forward to working with you to transition from the post-COVID era to renew our attention to addiction in rural America.

It just seems a complete waste of consumer dollars to be trucking our food halfway across the country, when it could be grown in the community right where people live.

USDA Rural Development programs across the board have a tremendous impact in my state with broadband, water, energy, housing, and beyond.

Congress should be looking to strengthen the safety net for our American farmers, not weaken it.

New Hampshire is the second most forested state in the nation, and we know very well that working forests already play an important role as carbon sinks.

We have significant funding in the bipartisan infrastructure bill that has already gone through, and signed into law, and more to come.

I am excited to continue these discussions tracking the implementation of significant bipartisan wins in the 2018 Farm Bill, and also looking for ways to continue to sustain our farmers and foresters as we look ahead to the farm bill of…

We want to make sure that folks have an opportunity, no matter where they live and no matter where they are, to participate in farm bill programs.

I secured passage of bipartisan legislation to exempt farmers from the confusing SAM/DUNS registration process for NRCS.

To achieve net-zero agriculture emissions, the farm bill conservation programs run by NRCS and FSA are essential.

I get up every morning and I work hard on, not only conservation, but making sure that every person in this country that wants to benefit from USDA programs has that opportunity.

Just as Federal farm conservation efforts were born in the 1930s as response to the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, we must continue to grow and enhance these programs.

I believe we can realize that goal by recognizing and supporting farmers and foresters for the climate-smart steps they are already taking.

Great. Thank you so much, Madam Chair, and I want to thank Chief Cosby and Administrator Ducheneaux for joining us today.