Hanover, N.H. — Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) brought together New Hampshire farmers, conservationists, and industry experts at Dartmouth Organic Farm to discuss New Hampshire’s priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is a package of legislation reauthorized every five years that has a tremendous impact on America’s agriculture and food systems. As a former member of the Agriculture Committee and a key leader in the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills, Kuster is a fierce advocate for New Hampshire’s producers. 

“The Farm Bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress will pass this year – I am fighting to ensure New Hampshire’s farmers and producers have a seat at the table and a voice as this bill is being crafted,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “Thank you to everyone who joined me today to discuss strengthening our food and agriculture system. I look forward to bringing our conversations back to Washington to pass a meaningful, bipartisan Farm Bill.”

“As Congressional leaders like Representative Kuster know well, the Farm Bill has significant long-term impacts on our rural economies and farm communities,” said Sarah Waring, State Director of USDA Rural Development in New Hampshire and Vermont. “It is so vital to hear from the experiences of the people who are directly affected by the Farm Bill, as well as those who implement the programs. Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, farmers and producers are seeing more ways to diversify their operations, expand markets and create jobs in their communities. As we see time and time again, the smartest solutions come from those who live the struggle. That is what today is about, and that is why today matters a great deal: to create the best policies in agriculture, we need to hear from the people who do the work.”

"We are grateful for Rep. Kuster's ongoing support of climate-smart agriculture that helps local New Hampshire farmers, food system, and initiatives adapt and become more resilient," said Julie Davenson, NOFA-NH Board President. “Regional collaborations like today's listening session will help inform strong public policy that builds regional food systems, strengthens our rural economies, and protects our environment. We are grateful Rep. Kuster represents New Hampshire farmers' interests in D.C. and look forward to continuing our work with the congresswoman on this important bill."

"It’s critical that Congress pass a Farm Bill that protects the historic investments in rural and farming communities enshrined in last year’s Inflation Reduction Act - especially the $20 billion allocated for climate-smart agricultural programs,” said Davis Bates, League of Conservation Voters. “We need climate champions in Congress like Rep. Kuster who are putting farmers first and fighting to protect investments that will be crucial to supporting small, local farmers and advancing  a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable agriculture sector."

The Farm Bill is a comprehensive legislative tool to invest in our nation’s agricultural system – from climate to energy to supply chains to workforce and nutrition, Kuster is fighting to get New Hampshire priorities in this must-pass bill. Kuster successfully fought to include Northern Border Regional Commission funding, technical assistance for veterans and beginning farmers, investments in rural development, including opioid treatment and broadband, and support for farmers transitioning to organic farming in the 2018 Farm Bill.

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