Issue Position: Agriculture

Issue Position

Agriculture and farming has been a key part of Connecticut's heritage and history. From the shade tobacco farms of the Connecticut River valley to the dairy farms of Eastern Connecticut, agriculture remains in many ways the cornerstone of our states' economy. I am committed to preserving the rural character of our communities and ensuring the continued survival of family farmers who have worked the land for more than three centuries.

Congressman Courtney's Work on Key Agricultural issues:

Farm Bill. I worked closely with my colleagues to pass the "2008 Farm Bill." One of the important changes I worked to secure as this bill it worked through the legislative process was increased support for smaller family farms like the ones that populate Connecticut. The Farm Bill also increased support for farmer's markets which have become staples in communities from the shore line to the quiet corner of eastern Connecticut.

Protecting Our Dairy Farms. Dairy farmers in Connecticut have struggled with skyrocketing cost increases for feed and fuel, even as dairy prices have plummeted. I have worked to ensure timely delivery of Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) payments, as well as reduce the pressure on the dairy market by providing bulk purchases of dairy products that have benefitted both dairy farmers and low income families who rely on nutrition programs. In addition, I joined with a geographically diverse and bipartisan group of members to form the Congressional Dairy Farmers Caucus, which will advocate on behalf of issues important to the future of our domestic dairy industry.

Farmland Preservation. I have strongly supported efforts to protect the rural heritage of Connecticut. I introduced legislation to extend the Heritage Corridor designation of the "Last Green Valley' through 2015 which extends from Southeastern Connecticut to Massachusetts. This legislation was incorporated into the Omnibus Public Lands bill that was signed into law by President Obama in March of 2009. The passage of this legislation will ensure the long term protection of farmland and open space for years to come.

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