|
Report from U.S. House
By Congressman Travis Childers Programs benefit state’s rural communities As
we continue on our path towards economic recovery, it is important to
remember that Mississippi’s agriculture industry is fundamental to
creating jobs and jumpstarting our economy. As the only member of
Mississippi’s delegation to serve on the House Agriculture Committee,
finding ways to uplift our rural communities is a top priority of mine.
While home in the First District last week, I
held several events to address the concerns and needs of these
communities and find ways to help them grow and prosper. In
Grenada, I met with agriculture producers and representatives from the
Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) to discuss the importance of
the agriculture industry as a job creator, as well as the upcoming 2012
Farm Bill. It’s critical that North
Mississippians’ voices are heard when it comes to shaping this
significant legislation. That’s why I’m thoroughly engaged in
discussions surrounding the 2012 Farm Bill. I
look forward to taking what constituents had to say back to Washington
to ensure that the interests of North Mississippi farmers are protected
as we continue to craft changes to this important farm legislation. Last
week, I also met with USDA officials, including Under Secretary for
Rural Development (RD) Dallas Tonsager, to help them gain a better
understanding of Mississippi’s agriculture industry and see first-hand
how critical our rural communities are to job creation and economic
growth throughout the region. The first stop in
the tour was a visit to the Institute of Community Services, Inc. (ICS)
Head Start headquarters in Holly Springs, which recently received an
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act RD loan and grant for a new Head
Start facility in Crenshaw. Next, we visited
Cheeseman Farm, also in Holly Springs, which participates in the
Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (EQIP). EQIP was reauthorized in the 2008 Farm Bill
to provide a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers
that promote agricultural production and environmental quality as
compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to
assist eligible participants install or implement structural and
management practices on eligible agricultural land. We
completed our tour in Southaven at a meeting with local elected
officials and producers to discuss the various programs that RD and
NRCS have to offer, and how these programs can help North Mississippi
communities continue to grow and prosper. I look
forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the
aisle to support programs that benefit rural communities in Mississippi
and to carefully craft and pass important legislation like the 2012
Farm Bill. As always, please continue to keep me
informed about your opinions and concerns by phone at (202) 225-4306 or
by visiting my website at www.childers.house.gov.
|
