Harkin Outlines Rural Development Priorities for 07 Farm Bill

News Date June 29, 2007

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) on June 21 detailed some of his priorities for the rural development title of the 2007 farm bill during a weekly press call with agricultural reporters. Harkin has not yet announced a specific schedule or process for the farm bill, but there is much speculation that the committee will begin marking up legislation soon after the July 4th recess. 

Harkin said that ramping up production of biofuels and other alternative energy sources will continue to be important to the rural economy. He wants to continue the value-added product development grants., which have been very successful in encouraging rural business ventures to add value to farm commodities and products, whether for energy or for a whole host of other products. The lawmaker is calling for some $500 million for a new Rural Collaborative Investment Program, which will support clusters of communities that come together to plan and implement regional economic development strategies. He also proposes to expand broadband access not just to rural towns but also into the countryside. 

Harkin said that rural America also needs better access to other amenities and necessities that people in cities take for granted. He believes the farm bill needs to offer loans and grants to encourage the construction of new day-care facilities for children and assisted-living facilities for seniors. Harkin also wants to assist rural communities in improving infrastructure including electricity, clean drinking water, and wastewater treatment. He noted there are some $2 billion in outstanding applications for water and wastewater improvements and he is proposing to provide enough funding in the farm bill to cut the number of unfunded applications in half. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)