Witnesses at a Thursday farm bill hearing of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight and Credit expressed how important it is for agricultural producers to have access to credit to start and support their operations. Other witnesses described the important role the Farm Credit System and commercial lenders play for economic growth in rural communities. Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Fortenberry heard the message that ensuring a stable food supply is directly connected to farmers and ranchers having access to steady sources of credit. As the committee prepares to write the next farm bill – he says it’s critical to continue to provide a credit system that meets the needs of producers and rural communities.
Ranking Member Marcia Fudge of Ohio was pleased to have an urban farmer and entrepreneur provide a different perspective. She says committee members need to give serious consideration to the needs of urban farmers. Access to credit can make or break rural farm operations – and Fudge says urban farm operations are no different.
Source: NAFB News Service