Political Quotes

“I rise in support of the Kaptur amendment to provide a modest $6 million in funding for the Farmers' Market Promotion Program. This program was established by the Farm Bill to make grants to cooperatives, nonprofits, local governments, economic development corporations and regional farmers' market authorities for projects to establish, expand, and promote farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs. Unfortunately, the program has never been funded. At a time when we spend billions on programs that primarily assist large agribusinesses, Congress needs to reaffirm its commitment to help farmers most in need of assistance. This relatively small investment in the Farmers' Market Promotion Program will produce economic benefits to small farmers and local communities that far exceed the $6 million investment we are proposing in this amendment. Farmers' markets are essential sources of income for thousands of small farmers. They provide farmers with direct access to consumers, and, in many instances, all of the small farmer's income comes from sales at farmers' markets. In a USDA survey of 772 farmers' markets, over 6,000 farmers said they sell their products only at farmers' markets. Mr. Chairman, consumers also benefit from farmers' markets. Consumer demand for locally grown food produced by small farmers is on the rise. For safe, nutritious food, Americans place more trust in smaller scale farms.”