Doug LaMalfa: “Of course, one of the key issues we are concerned with is the ability for end-users to have the access to the market.”

Farmers like the current conservation programs that are out there, EQIP and the others, but this new one here is going to require them to jump through hoops in order to maybe be competitive or not.

I can cite one example in my own district. Elderberry bushes are required to be basically untouched because an elderberry beetle may come along.

But that costs a lot of money to the taxpayers. We always say Government needs to do something. It is the taxpayers that pays for all of this.

We greatly appreciate the leadership of Representative Fischbach, Representative LaMalfa and Representative Thompson for the introduction of the HEN Act.