Current Issues

This legislation authorizes DATCP to establish a hemp pilot program to study the growth, cultivation and marketing of industrial hemp. Visit the DATCP site to learn more about the emergency rules and how to access grower and processor applications.

These are new rules that aim to protect groundwater in sensitive areas, specifically areas that have Silurian bedrock. These rules place new restrictions on manure spreading in the areas identified as having porous bedrock that makes surface waters vulnerable to runoff pollution from manure.

This wetland reform measure will make it more practicable to develop property that may be adjacent to wetlands that aren’t designated as rare or high quality. In particular, it impacts farmers that may need to fill or move artificial, or man-made, wetlands surrounding their buildings or driveways.

The farm bill is a multi-year piece of legislation that governs a variety of agricultural and food programs. These programs range from commodity price support to agricultural conservation to food aid and nutrition assistance.

Farmers need a reliable, skilled workforce. Congress needs to pass responsible immigration reform that addresses the current workforce and provides flexibility in a new guest worker program.

The USMCA not only locks in market opportunities previously developed with our North American neighbors, but also builds on those trade relationships in several key areas.

Endangered and threatened species protection can be more effectively achieved by providing incentives to private landowners and public land users rather than by imposing land use restrictions and penalties.

Farmers and ranchers should be able to look at the land and know what is and is not federally regulated under the Clean Water Act. The proposed new water rule will make it clear and specific for farmers and ranchers to understand and follow.