NOEM: Ag Committee spot good for South Dakota

• Rep. Noem

Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D.

Talk about it

Recently, the House Republican Steering Committee appointed me to fill an open slot on the Agriculture Committee. I grew up on a farm and ranch near Hazel and continued to work in the ag industry until I ran for Congress. I understand firsthand how agriculture impacts our state’s economy and why it is our number one industry. I had always planned on serving as a strong voice for South Dakota ag, now this new committee appointment makes it official.

This new role is particularly important because the Farm Bill will be rewritten soon. Key provisions of the 2008 farm bill are set to expire in 2012, so we will prepare to take up reauthorization of this very broad, but very important piece of legislation this year. The farm bill governs federal farm and food policy, so it is very important that South Dakotans have a voice at the table during negotiations and hearings for the next five-year plan.

Some of the changes I would like to see for the next farm bill include allowing for more risk management to give ag producers the flexibility they need to make decisions as small business owners, developing renewable energy and promoting good conservation.

South Dakota has always been one of the nation’s leaders in renewable energy development and we will continue to promote the development of advanced biofuel refineries in the next farm bill. During this Congress, I supported legislation that would reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but we cannot do that simply by loosening restrictions on drilling in the Gulf. We also need to create renewable energy systems here at home.

Land conservation is equally important to the economic stability of our state. Wetlands and grasslands provide habitats for wildlife and provide great hunting conditions for South Dakotans and visitors to our state. I believe we need to take a common-sense approach to land conservation to strike a balance that is good for both our farmers and our environment.

Agriculture not only provides food security and job security for many people in and around South Dakota, it is also integral to our national security. I look forward to working with the other members of the Agriculture Committee while putting my own farming background to good use during the farm bill debate.

Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., is South Dakota's lone member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Tags: opinion, noem, agriculture, updates, congress