Rep. Baird addresses small producers, local ag markets

Jim Baird

WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research Ranking Member Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) addressed Wednesday’s hearing called “Supply Chain Recovery and Resiliency: Small Producers and Local Agricultural Markets.”

“I am excited for our subcommittee to come together for the first official hearing for this Congress,” Baird said in his opening statement. “I look forward to developing a fruitful relationship with you as we serve this subcommittee and the very important role that its jurisdiction – especially biotechnology, research and extension– plays in the current landscape of the American farm economy; particularly in regard to the sustainability of the industry, the profitability of producers, and the stability of our national food supply.

“To members of the subcommittee – Thank you for committing to serve on this panel,” added Baird. “I find today’s topic to be of particular importance. We are nearing the end of an indiscriminate pandemic that impacted every corner of our lives. The witnesses before us have an important story to tell, and like many of the hearings held thus far this Congress, their stories add to the narrative that we can do better to prepare for future emergencies.

“Our nation is home to a varied, yet immensely productive, agricultural industry,” Baird continued. “On one hand, we have a group of developed, larger farms that play a most critical role in the stability of our food supply chain. These operations leverage the efficiencies gained by economies of scale to provide our nation the cheapest, safest and most abundant food supply the world has ever known, they bolster national security, and stabilize agricultural markets.

“On the other hand,” he added, “we have a group of smaller producers, often passionately serving niche markets or in the beginning phases of their operations working to build markets and equity. Both of these groups represent American farmers. Both represent a crucial component of our nation’s food supply chain and security. Both experience unique challenges that occasionally rely on policy solutions to improve.

“Beginning farmers in the United States face significant challenges in entering production,” Baird concluded. “Those without prior experience, land to inherit, or large sums of capital, are presented with sometimes insurmountable difficulties to begin their operation, let alone to compete once established. These obstacles for small farmers significantly hinder the ability to bring younger generations into agriculture or to diversify our nation’s agricultural production. I also think there is ample room to highlight how the department can improve their outreach and engagement for those entering into agriculture.”