NASDA Member Tim Boring Advocates for Support for Specialty Crop Growers in the Farm Bill to the U.S. House Ag Committee

Michigan Agriculture Director Dr. Tim Boring, a member of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, testified before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture today. As director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Boring plays a crucial role in providing opportunities for his state’s food and agriculture businesses, lifting up rural communities, and preserving Michigan’s natural resources.   Boring’s testimony focused on challenges faced by farmers in growing and marketing specialty crops and offering solutions to the House Ag Committee on how to support farmers.   “I appreciate that the recent federal budget did extend portions of the Farm Bill through 2031, but we all know we’re still barreling toward a September 30 expiration for remaining provisions that were not included in H.R. 1. We also know food security is national security, and the next Farm Bill will dictate how effectively we will be able to feed ourselves by ourselves in the future,” Boring said.   During his testimony, Boring underscored the complexities specialty crop farmers, specifically, are facing.   “Whether it’s due to trade pressures, market access challenges, rising input costs, climate variability, labor constraints, and threats of pests and disease—many specialty crops in this country are either harder to grow, more difficult to get to markets, or as challenging as ever to access for the consumer.”   Boring continued by sharing several examples of programs that have helped champion specialty crops in previous farm bills via opening market opportunities through purchasing and food access programs, funding programs that foster trade and advancing studies on agronomy and plant pathology.   NASDA CEO Ted McKinney weighed in on Director Boring’s remarks and the need for support for specialty crops in a future farm bill.   “NASDA is grateful the House Agriculture Committee invited Director Boring to testify on what farmers are experiencing, and how federal policy can help agriculture departments support farmers and rural communities in their states,” McKinney said. “Our theme for NASDA’s annual meeting also taking place this week is ‘Securing our Future through Agriculture,’ and we ask the House Agriculture Committee to consider how their support can impact specialty crop farmers and help ensure a secure and healthy future for all Americans.”