Blaine Luetkemeyer: “I am proud to rise in support of House Resolution 1075, commending the Agri-business Development Teams, or ADTs, on…”

“I am proud to rise in support of House Resolution 1075, commending the Agri-business Development Teams, or ADTs, on their work. I want to thank Chairman Skelton along with Ranking Member McKeon, as well as the rest of the Missouri delegation for their support and efforts in helping the Missouri ADTs. In addition, I would like to thank the senior Senator from Missouri, Kit Bond, for his support of the ADT program from the very beginning. There are many people who made the efforts of the ADT a great success. First, I want to commend Colonel Marty Leppert, Chief Tony Romano, and the entire team of men and women dedicated to using their skills and knowledge to improve the situation in Afghanistan. They have met a massive challenge with determination to see their goals achieved. The National Guard's Agri-business Development Teams started as a pilot program in Missouri. The Missouri team partnered with the Missouri Farm Bureau, the University of Missouri, and Lincoln University to draw a blueprint that is being followed by other Army National Guard units from around the United States. In addition, ADTs get resources and guidance from the National Guard Bureau, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the United States Agency for International Development. The National Guard ADTs have a big mission. They help to modernize agricultural practices and increase food production in a war-torn country.”