Thomas Daschle: “Farming, ranching, and agriculture and agri-related businesses continue to play a vital role in our economy. Food and…”

“Farming, ranching, and agriculture and agri-related businesses continue to play a vital role in our economy. Food and fiber jobs account for 16 percent of our total workforce. Agriculture makes up 12 percent of our gross domestic product, and 9 percent of our trade exports. In fact, we have a $10 billion positive balance on agricultural trade, in sharp contrast to our overall $490 billion trade deficit. In many States, like my home State of South Dakota, agriculture is the number one industry. Communities rely heavily upon the agricultural economy. Many rely almost solely upon it. That is why, as the national spotlight focuses on rural America, it is so important to ask: Are we doing right by rural America? Are we doing all we can to ensure that the deep heritage in our Nation's rural way of life remains not only viable, but strong and vibrant? Unfortunately, over the past 4 years, our Government has not done right by rural America.”