STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Representative David Cook (R-8) sent letters yesterday to the chairmen of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) and U.S. Congressman Mike Conway (R-TX), urging them to hold a Farm Bill field hearing in Arizona.

“A field hearing in Arizona would give our agriculture producers a chance to demonstrate what’s working in federal farm policy and what needs to be remedied,” said Representative Cook.

A copy of each letter can be found here:

https://www.azleg.gov/alispdfs/Roberts_Farm_Bill_letter.pdf

https://www.azleg.gov/alispdfs/Conway_Farm_Bill_letter.pdf

Text of the letters can be found below.

*** October 11, 2017

The Honorable Senator Pat Roberts

Chairman of Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry

109 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510-3514

Dear Senator Roberts:

Arizona agriculture is a $17 billion-dollar industry providing wholesome, high quality products to the residents of Arizona, this great nation and the world. As you are aware, Congress is in the process of deliberating on the next Farm Bill which will have an impact on many of the producers here in Arizona. Farm and ranch families rely on policies in this legislation to support commodity prices, assist in disaster-type situations, and allow individuals to improve working landscapes on both private and public lands.

Arizona is unique and because of our access to water and our favorable climate, we are able to produce high quality products efficiently. Infrastructure and our proximity to Mexico and other ports allow access to world markets for our commodities. Arizona agriculture is important to the citizens of Arizona, the nation and the world.

I am respectfully requesting your assistance in organizing a Farm Bill hearing session in Arizona as soon as possible. Arizona has some great opportunities to capitalize on new growth in the agriculture industry. It is important that the producers of Arizona have the opportunity to be included in the debate on the next Farm Bill.

I am offering my services and the service of my office to make this happen. I would be happy to work with you and your staff to help secure a Farm Bill hearing in Casa Grande. I believe this is a great opportunity for Congress and producers to talk about the issues facing the Southwest. Arizona’s unique landscape and diverse operations are a success story, and we can also provide critical information for those drafting the upcoming Farm Bill.

I am optimistic that we can accomplish this hearing by working together to give Arizona’s farm and ranch families a voice in the next Farm Bill. I look forward to hearing from you about this opportunity.

Sincerely,

DAVID L. COOK

State Representative, District 8   back...