2023 Farm Bill priorities include food insecurity, SNAP and sustainable agriculture

BY U.S. REP. ANDRÉ CARSON
Democratic Party, Indiana District 7

Dear Hoosier Farmers, I hope you’re enjoying the warm weather the summer brings, which I’m hoping means an abundant harvest for all. Whether you live in the 7th Congressional District in Indianapolis or across our beautiful state, your voices and work in this industry are vital.

You are the backbone of our county, and you keep us moving forward. I want to take the time to talk about my 2023 Farm Bill priorities this Congress.

Food Insecurity: The wellbeing of every American is of the upmost importance to me, and making sure every American has access to healthy and nutritious food is essential to that goal. That’s why I introduced the Food Desserts Act of 2023, which creates new avenues to fund stores in underserved communities. This bill will create USDA- funded, state-operated revolving funds that will issue low-interest loans for the operation of grocery stores in food deserts. The bill ensures that recipients of these loans, including for-profit, non-profit and municipal entities, can provide affordable, healthy food, including fresh produce and staples like milk, bread, and meat.

PFAS Testing Funding: Farmers and Agriculture producers across the United States have a growing concern about microplastics. From dairy producers to farm workers that produce our corn, soybeans, and other staple crops, microplastics have been known to have the ability to contaminate our water ways, air and soil. Funding for testing for farmers, especially those that use well water, should be a top priority in this Farm Bill to protect the health of the American public.

Sustainable Agriculture: As we are hit by more devastating floods, storms, and changes to our climate because of human impact, we must meet the moment to mitigate and stop the damage to our environment. That is why I’m urging for increased funding to help train farmers on implementing sustainable agricultural practices. Many of our land grant colleges do a great job of gearing up the next generation of farmers and agriculture producers, but not enough are teaching students about sustainable agriculture.

Nutrition: More than 290,000 Hoosier families benefit from SNAP. We must continue to fund and strengthen this program to continue the fight against food insecurity.

I have signed a letter to the House Agriculture Committee along with the rest of Indiana’s Congressional delegation to support Hoosier farmers through our collective Farm Bill priorities. You can read the letter here.

The letter was supported by the Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Beef Cattle Association, Indiana Corn Growers Association, Indiana Pork Producers Association, Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana State Poultry Association.

Thank you for your ongoing investment in our state. Please feel free to contact my office at 317-283-6516 or 202-225-4011.