Congresswoman Angie Craig Stands in Support of Dairy Farmers

Today, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig reiterated her support for dairy farmers after hearing concerns from dairy farmers at a recent listening session in Goodhue County.

In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Rep. Craig joined House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson and more than 70 Democratic and Republican House colleagues in urging the Department of Agriculture to prioritize the implementation of dairy provisions included in the 2018 Farm Bill.

Rep. Craig made an early commitment to Minnesota farmers by requesting to be on the House Agriculture Committee because she understands how essential family farms are to Minnesota's Second District. Right now, dairy farmers are hurting - last year, dairy farmers in Minnesota earned $15,000 - a third of what they earned in 2017. Rep. Craig believes Minnesota farmers deserve better, that's why she is fighting to be a strong voice that stands up for them every day.

"I grew up watching my grandfather farm beans until the farm crisis in the 1980's forced him out, and that taught me at a young age the importance of farmers getting the support they need during these uncertain economic times," said Rep. Angie Craig. "I've brought that commitment to family farmers with me to Washington where I'll fight every day to make sure that we support our farmers through strong safety nets, expanding our markets for exports and making resources available for recovery from unpredictable weather."

Over the past three months, Rep. Craig has:

• Been appointed to the House Committee on Agriculture, and serves on three subcommittees, all of which have an important role in overseeing the implementation of the Farm Bill:
  • General Farm Commodities & Risk Management
  • Livestock & Foreign Agriculture
  • Commodity Exchanges, Energy & Credit
• Led a letter to United States Trade Representative Lighthizer pushing for the inclusion of agriculture in trade negotiations with the European Union to keep markets open for American farm products.
• Held a listening session in White Rock about the impacts of trade renegotiations, the need for timely implementation of Farm Bill dairy programs, and the state of the farm economy.
• Introduced the Local Water Protection Act to protect local water quality through voluntary conservation on Minnesota farmland.
• Questioned Agriculture Secretary Perdue in the House Agriculture Committee - pressuring him to do his part to end this Administration's self-inflicted trade war. You can watch her testimony here.
• Advocated for biofuels, understanding the crucial role they play in addressing carbon emissions, while also providing a market for producers. To that end, she has:
  • Joined the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, which oversees issues impacting the biofuels industry from feedstocks to fuel pumps,
  • Opposed the issuing of small refinery waivers, which are a handout to big oil companies on the backs of Minnesota farmers,
  • Signed onto a letter asking Congressional Leadership to extend the Biodiesel Tax Credit.
• Launched a disaster assistance webpage.