Calculations on the rate of return on Federal investment in agricultural research estimate it to be 6.8 percent per year.

I would hope this hearing will provide a good review of the implementation of agriculture research programs since we passed the farm bill in 2008.

I hope this hearing will provide a good review of the implementation of agricultural research programs since we passed the farm bill in 2008.

Clearly, the fundamental need for research spans across several different commodities and various agricultural sectors.

We made changes in the 2008 Farm Bill, such as streamlining agricultural research by establishing a National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

Simply put, protecting farmland for future agricultural use is of utmost importance to every citizen of the United States.

The definition of renewable biomass contained in the renewable fuel standard of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is problematic because it could exclude a majority of the country's biomass.

If this climate change bill becomes law, it will have a broad effect on our nation's farms, agribusinesses, and consumers.

If we continue with these provisions that were in H.R. 6, we will shortchange a large part of the country before we even get started.

As a lifelong rancher, a student of agricultural economics, as the Ranking Member of this Committee, I cannot support a bill that will damage an industry that consistently provides America and the world with the safest, most abundant…

We are very nervous about this bill and we need your help.