Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research

Remarks as prepared for delivery: Madam Chair, thank you for holding today’s hearing to review the National Organic Program. Consumer demand for agricultural goods produced under the organic seal continues to show double-digit growth, providing market incentives for U.S. farmers across a broad range of products. According to USDA, organic sales account for over 4% of total U.S. food sales. U.S. farms and ranches sold $7.6 billion in certified organic commodities in 2016, up 23% from the year bef... Read more

Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Chair Plaskett. Farmers and ranchers are some of the most resilient people that I know, and thanks to our nation’s agricultural research and extension system, they remain at the forefront of innovation and productivity. As we look forward, there are consistently new threats developing and producers will need new tools in order to adapt to changing conditions. Congress recognized that need all the way back in 1862 with the passage of the Morrill Act wh... Read more

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Agriculture Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the research and extension needs of producers. After the hearing, Subcommittee Ranking Member Neal Dunn (FL-2) made the following remarks: “As producers face increasing threats from multiple risks, the need for a strong and robust agricultural research and extension system has never been greater. Farmers, ranchers and foresters need new technologies and adaptive strate... Read more

Washington, D.C. - House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) issued the following statement after President Trump signed the Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products Executive Order: “Farmers, ranchers and consumers all stand to benefit from a regulatory process that provides certainty, predictability and transparency. I commend President Trump and his team for once again delivering a major win for the agricultural community and for... Read more

Remarks as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Chairwoman Plaskett. This subcommittee has jurisdiction over biotechnology, pesticide regulation, and plant pest and disease programs – all policy areas that will have a profound impact on the future of American agriculture. While I’m excited the subcommittee is holding its first hearing, it absolutely baffles me that our first topic is USDA office relocation. I do not understand the obsession that some have with the secretary’s decision, and some of ... Read more

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Agriculture Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the impacts of relocating USDA research agencies. After the hearing, Subcommittee Ranking Member Neal Dunn (FL-2) and Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) made the following remarks: “Secretary Perdue has enacted a culture of customer service and efficiency at USDA. There is nothing that prevents USDA’s mission from extending outside of the beltway. Many... Read more

Washington, D.C. - Fifteen 4-H youth leaders from around the country visited with the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research today, including Subcommittee Chairwoman Stacey Plaskett of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Ranking Member Neal Dunn of Florida; as well as Committee Chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota, and Ranking Member Mike Conaway of Texas, as part of a roundtable on youth leadership in agriculture, 4-H and Extension services. The roundtable coincide... Read more

Washington, D.C. – House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota and Ranking Member Mike Conaway of Texas announced the rosters for the six subcommittees of the House Agriculture Committee today in Washington. Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit Democratic members include: Chairman David Scott, Georgia Jeff Van Drew, New Jersey Filemon Vela, Texas Stacey Plaskett, U.S. Virgin Islands Abigail Spanberger, Virginia Antonio Delgado, New York Angie Craig, Minnesota Sean Patric... Read more

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) announced the subcommittee Ranking Members for the 116th Congress. “With farm bill implementation underway, our subcommittees will play an instrumental role in promoting and protecting policies that are important to rural America and our country’s farm and ranch families. I look forward to working with our strong team of Ranking Members who have a wide-range of knowledge and expertise in the ag indust... Read more

Washington, D.C. – Today the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research welcomed 15 4-H students from across the country to brief members on “The Importance of Agriculture in the United States.” “I don’t know if there is anything better than seeing young people interested and passionate about the future of our agriculture industry. The presentations we heard today serve as a reminder of why it’s important we continue supporting legislation to enhance ... Read more