Jahana Hayes

Encouraging more people from every background to go into farming is also key to ensuring we have a strong agricultural system for many decades to come.

Supporting our new and beginning farmers who are in the first 10 years of operation is key to cultivating the future of American agriculture.

How can Congress help these unique, nontraditional operations?

How can Congress reduce barriers for underrepresented farmers--for young, BIPOC, minorities farmers.

I am particularly interested in how Congress can reduce barriers for underrepresented farmers, for young BIPOC minority farmers.

As stated in my written statement, current make allowances are based on 2006 and 2007 costs which are now more than 15 years old.

We support enhanced funding for EQIP as well as better targeting the program toward areas of opportunity for dairy.

I hear from producers in my district, most of whom are small, family-owned operations, that they lack the capacity to interface with Federal assistance programs.

We ask that you include this additional critical funding to ensure food-insecure families can put food on the table.

Increased SNAP costs are also due to continued COVID-19 relief, which is tied to the end of the public health emergency.

SNAP is also a highly responsive means-tested program, which serves as a stabilizer in times of economic downturn.

It is clear that SNAP works, and it works for our entire economy from farmers to consumers.

We can improve outcomes for Americans facing food insecurity.

One in eight Americans were not sure they would be able to put food on their tables, one in eight Americans.

USDA research has found that veterans in particular face a greater risk for food insecurity than non-veterans.

I believe wholeheartedly in the mission of SNAP, the life-changing impact it has on recipients.

SNAP is a highly responsive program which serves as a stabilizer in times of economic downturn.

The 2023 Farm Bill will not be like any other farm bill. It will be a seminal historic piece of legislation.

Last year, USDA announced that it would be investing $464 million into projects to build and improve renewable energy infrastructure and to help rural communities, agricultural producers, and businesses lower energy costs.

Our farmers are passionate about the expansion of USDA conservation programs, and increasing access for small and beginning farmers.

My district is a leader in climate-smart agriculture. Our producers run small, diversified farms and often use ecofriendly practices.

Title I subsidies, along with non-farm bill assistance programs, are a critical economic safety net for the farmers in my district that can access them.

We can and we must do better.

In my first year in Congress, I co-led the Clean School Bus Act of 2019 (H.R. 3973) with now Vice President Kamala Harris.

Outside of this Committee, I have worked tirelessly to expand access to electric vehicles.