Grand Rapids Reporter

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI—Congresswoman Hillary Scholten hosted a discussion with agricultural stakeholders from West Michigan yesterday to hear from them about their priorities ahead of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill Reauthorization.

The U.S. Congress reauthorizes the Farm Bill every five years. The provisions contained in this legislation include vital funding for crop insurance, support for forest management, SNAP benefit funding, and more. Congresswoman Scholten understands that it has become more and more difficult for farmers and producers to stay afloat in recent years—that’s why she’s committed to passing a 2023 Farm Bill that works for West Michigan. Yesterday’s roundtable was one part of a continuing conversation on how the Congresswoman plans to advocate for MI-03 farmers in Washington.

“In Congress, we have an important opportunity this year to do meaningful, bipartisan work by passing the 2023 Farm Bill. In order to do that work, it’s important that elected officials talk to those who are impacted directly by this legislation,” said Congresswoman Hillary Scholten. “West Michigan has a thriving agricultural industry. From specialty crops like apples and blueberries, to row crops, to pork and dairy, all aspects of West Michigan’s farm community have unique and valuable perspectives on how to make our food systems work better. I look forward to continuing to hear from constituents at future Farm Bill roundtables my office will be hosting over the next few months.”

Congresswoman Scholten hosted this event in collaboration with the Michigan Farm Bureau.

“Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon Counties are some of the most agriculturally diverse counties in the country and the Farm Bill helps provide predictability for farmers of all types and sizes,” said Mark Schoenborn, President, Ottawa County Farm Bureau. “We applaud congresswoman Hillary Scholten for taking time to meet directly with Farm Bureau members in West Michigan and discuss our priorities in the next Farm Bill. We look forward to working with her and her team as the legislation is developed.”

About Representative Scholten:

Representative Hillary Scholten is the first mom and first woman to serve Michigan’s Third Congressional District. She is a social worker and attorney who worked for the Department of Justice under President Obama. Congresswoman Scholten lives in Grand Rapids, MI with her husband, Jesse, and two sons. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates from the official office.

Original source can be found here.