We need to listen to Texas farmers and act | Opinion

For years, farmers and ranchers in North Texas and across the United States have experienced rising costs and supply chain disruptions — everything from seed to fuel to fertilizer — making their hard work that much more difficult.

But if there’s one thing we know to be true, it’s that American farmers know how to handle tough times. We’ve seen our producers step up to the plate time and time again to overcome these challenges, and they have continued to provide the safest, most abundant and most affordable food and fiber to our state, nation and world.

But they cannot do it alone. We need to implement policies that increase domestic production of energy and food, protect our vital resources and keep the shelves at the grocery store stocked. We have an opportunity to do just that through the 2023 Farm Bill.

The Farm Bill is legislation that governs a wide range of agricultural policies from crop insurance to agricultural research, and it is typically reauthorized every five years. While this bill has a direct impact on farmers and ranchers, it ultimately impacts every American family. food security is national security. By enacting policies that support our food supply chain, we can ensure the American people pay lower prices and face more certainty at the grocery store.

To develop a Farm Bill that works as hard as our rural communities, we need to hear directly from the folks it will impact most. That’s why this week, members of the Congressional Western Caucus are headed to North Texas. We’re putting boots on the ground so we can meet with producers about what’s working, what’s not and where they need support most.

The Congressional Western Caucus is a group of over 90 members who represent rural communities across the United States. We know the importance of understanding how decisions made in D.C. impact rural America. We are proud to be hosting a Western Caucus field tour in the 12th Congressional District to help us do just that.

We will spend time learning about innovative vertical farming practices, which help families have access to fresh produce year-round. We’ll also learn about cutting-edge agriculture technology and research in Fort Worth.

Additionally, we’ll be hosting an all-day Ag Summit to hear directly from farmers, ranchers and elected agriculture representatives about the challenges that face American agriculture and what policy changes Congress can make to reduce overreach and ensure our farmers and ranchers have the tools necessary to continue their work.

We cannot afford to sideline America’s producers. It’s important that we hear directly from the men and women—like those we are meeting with this week — who are responsible for ensuring that our most basic needs are met. This field tour and Ag Summit allow us to have those conversations and learn how we can better support them in Congress.

Western Caucus Members aim to lift the voices of rural America. By taking what we learn in our local communities back to the nation’s capital, we can guarantee the concerns and priorities of the people of North Texas will be heard.

Kay Granger represents Texas’ 12th Congressional District and serves as chair of the Appropriations Committee. Dan Newhouse represents Washington’s 4th Congressional District and serves as chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus.