Agriculture
In times of economic uncertainty, it is imperative that we provide every opportunity possible for our economy to grow and expand. This includes acting on the three pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea, each of which will provide direct economic benefits for our nation’s economy.
While seemingly well intentioned, the author neglects the fact that this legislation will allow for greater access to our public lands by releasing acres that have had more restrictions levied upon them as a result of being part of a wilderness designation study...
In August, I sat down with the Hardwood Federation to discuss forestry policy and answer several questions pertaining to the upcoming Farm Bill, which were included in the "Hardwood Leaders Spotlight" for thier September 2011 Newsletter.
From the Hardwood Federation's September Newsletter:
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05), Congressman Tim Holden (PA-17) and Chief Dave White, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), today announced plans to hold a Barnyard Discussion and Q&A Session on agriculture and conservation in the Commonwealth during Penn State’s Ag Progress Days. Farming families and all individuals of the Pennsylvania agriculture community are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion. Details are as follows.
What:
Barnyard Discussion on Agriculture and Conservation in Pennsylvania
Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry, this Wednesday held a public hearing to review energy and forestry programs within the subcommittee's jurisdiction. The hearing was a continuation in the series of audit hearings the subcommittee is holding to review programs in advance of writing the next farm bill.
Washington, D.C. – Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy & Forestry Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today held a Joint Oversight Hearing, “Challenges facing Domestic Oil and Gas Development: Review of Bureau of Land Management/U.S. Forest Service Ban on Horizontal Drilling on Federal Lands.” The hearing was held in conjunction with the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. The panel received testimony from a number of experts regarding the U.S.
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) this week announced the availability of approximately $37 million in Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) for Fiscal Year 2011, according to Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard. The VAPG Program, which provides economic assistance to help independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives and agricultural producer groups enter into value-added activities, began accepting grant applications on June 28, 2011.