Concord, N.H. – Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) hosted an agricultural listening session with the University of New Hampshire to hear from stakeholders ahead of the 2023 Farm Bill. During the session, New Hampshire farmers, producers, and industry experts shared their thoughts and recommendations for the 2024 Farm Bill, including forestland and timber markets, programs for beginning farmers and ranchers, and conservation incentives.

“I was thrilled to hear directly from Granite State farmers, foresters, and industry experts about their ideas and experiences as Congress begins discussions to reauthorize the Farm Bill,” said Kuster. “The Farm Bill is an important opportunity to deliver for our local producers, invest in our rural communities, and strengthen our food systems. I look forward to sharing today’s conversations with my colleagues. Thank you to the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension and the Society for the Protection of NH Forests for hosting this informative listening session.”

“UNH Cooperative Extension was pleased to host this Farm Bill Listening Session,” said UNH Vice Provost Outreach & Engagement and Extension Director Ken La Valley. “We appreciate that Representative Kuster sincerely cares what New Hampshire people think about this legislation. Farm Bill funding is so important to the agricultural and forestry sectors of New Hampshire and to UNH research and extension that strongly supports them.”

Kuster, a former Member of the House Committee on Agriculture, has a strong record advocating for New Hampshire producers and bringing their voices to Congress. A leader of the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills, Kuster has successfully included veteran and beginning farmer assistance and new funding for the Northern Border Regional Commission.

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