On the recordMarch 22, 2012
I rise to introduce the Rural Energy for America Program Reauthorization Act, along with my friend Senator Harkin from Iowa. Farmers and rural businesses form the backbone of this country, and rural communities are particularly crucial to Minnesota's culture and economy. In fact, in my State, one out of every five jobs is related to the agricultural economy. We all rely on farmers for our food. It is thanks to farmers that when we go to the grocery store there is an abundance of fresh food at cheaper prices than in many other countries. While family farmers and rural businesses work hard to keep our shelves stocked, they do so under difficult conditions. Weather and disease can wipe out a crop, profit margins can be small, and fluctuating market prices for their products can be devastating to a family farmer. Farm work is also very energy intensive, so when energy and gas prices rise, farmers have to make tough choices. High energy prices mean laying off farm workers, increasing crop prices, if they can, and squeezed budgets all around. To make matters worse, many of our government programs that help manage rising energy prices are under attack and on the budget chopping block. REAP, or the Rural Energy for America Program, can help farmers manage the cost of energy. The bill I am introducing today will reauthorize this important farm bill program that will help farmers and rural small businesses continue to cut energy bills and generate electricity on site.…
