Bobby Rush: “The Federal Government has a key role in ensuring equity.”

I certainly want to thank you, Mr. Chairman. This has been a very, very informative hearing, and I thank you for it.

I am continually concerned about the impact of any new costs on our nation's farmers and, specifically, the energy costs as it relates to minority farmers and consumers.

What specific policies would you recommend to combat the historic and current discrimination too often faced by Black and Brown farmers in your respective industries?

I am absolutely committed to the idea, and the potential, of trying to create a unity of will, a unity of spirit, and a unity of understanding, in terms of the whole cooperative sector of our society.