news

Since the founding of this nation, farms and farmers have always played a significant role in the U.S. economy. They provide the country – and the world – with enough food to eat, fuel jobs for workers up and down the supply chain, and keep American agriculture at the forefront of innovation. Many of these farms are small businesses who continue to work hard to support themselves and their customers in an increasingly global market.

It is our role in Congress to help support farmers so that they can continue their work growing our food and our economy. 

Today we will examine how federal regulations impact America’s small farms. Regulations serve an important purpose of helping to keep us safe. Agricultural regulations help to improve water quality, protect animal welfare, and consumer welfare through food safety and labeling regulations. Without these safeguards, small farms and producers could be hurt by illicit business practices, left in the dark when combating nationwide challenges like avian influenza, and without federal assistance on issues ranging from organic standards to conservation practices.

Despite these important aspects of regulations, it is also important to recognize that they can also place a burden on small businesses, especially those in the agricultural industry. 

Farmers and ranchers are faced with a flurry of requirements through a variety of regulations from the Endangered Species Act and the Food Safety Modernization Act, to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act—to name just a few. Compounding much of the complexity is the overlap of agency jurisdiction in a variety of farming practices. The end result is often burdensome on farmers who just want to manage their farms. 

It is critical that agencies are considering the economic impact of their regulations on small farms. At the same time, Congress needs to know what steps are needed to help agencies achieve this goal. Adequate communication and transparency are critical to an effective system of regulation.  An open line of communication can ensure that regulations are written effectively, minimizing unnecessary burdens for small businesses. And, that is what I hope to achieve in today’s hearing.

Congress plays an important role in ensuring that the American public is protected, while simultaneously ensuring that regulations are not too burdensome on farmers. It is, therefore, irresponsible for the government to haphazardly change or get rid of regulations without thoroughly looking at the impact and the long-term consequences.

I look forward to the insights this panel will provide on this topic.