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Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation
Agricultural News and Information
Greg Gibson, Coordinator
Public Relations / Multimedia
1-800-227-8244 ext. 4154
or 601-977-4154
email: ggibson@msfb.org
Mississippi farmers take their message to Washington DC
WASHINGTON, DC – Farm leaders from across the country are busily trying to get their input to the members of Congress who will write the new legislation that controls all agricultural program funding.
Approximately eighty Mississippi Farm Bureau members recently made the trip to Washington, DC, to weigh in on the discussions.
“Current farm programs help our economy by encouraging agricultural exports,” said Mississippi Farm Bureau President David Waide. “It’s imperative that we get a new Farm Bill that continues to support our nation’s farmers and ranchers.”
Another area of interest to the members visiting the capital was renewable energy. Members met with Cade Clurman from Representative Chip Pickering’s office to discuss options for alternative energy. Farm Bureau Public Policy Director Derrick Surrette says that more must be done to encourage new technologies and policies for renewable energy sources to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy.
Discussions were also held with Under Secretary of Agriculture Dr. Mark Keenum and West Higginbothom, Agricultural Legislative Assistant to Sen. Thad Cochran. All of these officials have played key roles in the development of agriculture policy.
“Mississippi has some of the most influential ag policy makers in Washington,” said Waide. “We depend on them every day to help the farmers and rural interests of Mississippi.”
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