Glenn Thompson

The immediate need for aid, particularly commodities, will likely increase in light of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

A robust safety net is critical to keeping farms and production here, while lowering overall global greenhouse gas emissions.

I will reject complicating our programs and making climate the focus of every title of the upcoming farm bill reauthorization.

U.S. agriculture accounts for less than ten percent of greenhouse gas emissions according the Environmental Protection Agency.

I have said time and time again that we want agriculture to be at the tip of the spear in our efforts to address climate change.

I do not believe that USDA or the taxpayers should be subsidizing corporations' arbitrary climate goals.

I think this speaks now more than ever that funding to support REAP is vital.

I have been a very strong supporter of REAP, and have multiple pieces of legislation kind of focused on this program.

With this $1 billion that has been committed unilaterally, I believe without authority, are we using government funding to put some growers at a disadvantage?

Last year, I introduced with the support of colleagues the SUSTAINS Act (H.R. 2606), which would allow for third parties, including corporations and businesses of all sizes...

I think deploying a workforce, this is really true in forestry as well, and we had a lot of discussions about workforce in forestry.

It is very unclear how much the funding will make it into the hands of producers, farmers.

I hope we are not falling into some of the bad habits that have made some of these other agencies less than effective at bridging the digital divide.

I think if you had talked with us before making this drastic change, we would have been happy to clarify that Congress has always wanted to encourage as many options for rural residents as possible.

The work of Rural Development is vital to ensure that our rural communities have the resources they need to become resilient.

I am honored to welcome Under Secretary Torres Small back to the Committee.

His presence certainly is going to be missed in these halls and on this Committee.

Our producers need action, not half-baked pilots and arbitrary mandates.

I believe farmers are climate champions, but there is more to be done.

Without the safety net provided by Title I farm programs and crop insurance, many farms would simply not be able to survive.

The experiences of the past few years certainly demonstrate the importance of the farm safety net and maintaining domestic food production.

I look forward to the recommendations expected later this year and next year and welcome suggestions for ways that I and the organizations that represent me can be proactive in promoting and supporting greater diversity and inclusiveness…

As we look at the situation in Ukraine and Russia right now, I think we are all reminded of the importance of a strong domestic safety net and maintaining our U.S. food supply.

I believe through hard work, honest dealings and "sticktoitivity", there are no cultural constraints that cannot be overcome.

We plan to continue our outreach and engagement with the National Black Growers Council as their membership includes a number of cotton producers.