WASGHINGTON, DC– The Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology held its first hearing entitled, “Supporting Farmers, Strengthening Conservation, Sustaining Working Lands”.
As Chair of the subcommittee, Congressman Frank D. Lucas (RCheyenne) opened the hearing by examining the policies that led to the Dust Bowl and the subsequent efforts to restore conservation in American agriculture. He then emphasized the need to pass the next Farm Bill to further improve voluntary conservation efforts.
He then had the opportunity to question witnesses on a variety of topics, including the watershed and flood prevention program as well as the need to simplify voluntary conservation programs so they can be accessible for all producers.
Lucas closed today's hearing by emphasizing the need to pass a fiveyear Farm Bill and enact commonsense policies to preserve American farmland for generations to come.
The Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology has jurisdiction over policies and statutes related to resource conservation; pest and disease management, including pesticides; bioterrorism; adulteration and quarantine matters; research, education, and extension; biotechnology; and related oversight of such issues.
Lucas recently wrote an op-ed in The Oklahoman about the policies that led to the Dust Bowl.