WPSD RV - EPA, Farm Bill, Cuban Trade Among Topics at AG Forum

News Article

By Holden Kurwicki

Farmers help us in a lot of ways but many of them say unpredictable weather, dropping prices at the mill, and government regulations are cutting into their crops and ultimately your wallet.

When farmers have a problem, Frank Ireland at the Dixon Springs Ag Center is often the first one to hear about it.

"There's a concern about over regulation impacting farmers production," said Frank Ireland.

As farmers take those concerns to Capitol Hill, newly elected republican Congressman Mike Bost says he has already taken their fight to the EPA.

"One of the important issue that is out there is the Waterway's Bill where the EPA is trying to make rules to govern over them," said Rep. Mike Bost. "They're going through transportation but it is extremely important to the Ag community. That bill was dropped yesterday."

Republican Congressman Rodney Davis is working to help farmers reap the benefits of the farm bill.

"Our farmers now are going through a new program and figuring out what options are now available to choose from," said Rep. Rodney Davis.

Options that local farmers hope soon include ending a trade embargo with Cuba.

"We already do trade, and I want to increase trade with Cuba to free the Cuban people, and that's our goal," said Rep. Davis.

"I'm for trade," said Rep. Bost. "I am just concerned that we've got to do something to break the regime."

Rep. Davis says he's concerned that trade with Cuba could prop up the Castro regime, but says any foreign trade would be good for local farmers.

Bost, Davis, and Rep. John Shimkus also spoke out in support of GMO's at the Dixon Springs Ag Center meeting, and said they would continue that support once they return to Capitol Hill.

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