"Due to the current state of the rural economy, access to credit is even more essential to keeping farmers and ranchers producing a safe, affordable, and abundant supply of food and fiber for America and the rest of the world."
"Given the downturn in the farm economy and the erosion of cash reserves, securing credit has been a challenge for many, but especially for producers just getting their start."
"These hearings have shown that producers nationwide have been experiencing a steady decline in net farm income over the past 4 years."
"Specialty crops offer a unique opportunity for people to get into farming without much acreage."
"I am extremely concerned that other countries might pick individual commodities, and that can create a tremendous amount of turmoil in different segments of the economy."
"I want to encourage you to hold your brothers accountable to the standard that has been set for you so that we don't end up becoming a referee in that."
"I am extremely concerned about individual commodity groups being attacked, and the impact on certain regions."
"We have to maintain the merchant marine fleet."
"It is appropriate that this is the topic of our first hearing in support of the next farm bill."
"Every day our young rural citizens look around them, assess their lives, and try to make the best choices they can about their futures."
"I think that biotechnology is one of the ways that we are going to help eliminate starvation around the world."