WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today announced the focus of her first hearing as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry.

On Wednesday, May 15, Spanberger will lead a hearing focused on oversight of Farm Bill conservation programs, working lands programs, and the federal departments that measure the success of these conservation efforts—such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Witnesses will be announced in the upcoming days.

“As Chair of the Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee, I’m committed to making sure our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities have the support they need to engage in responsible stewardship practices. As we review the Farm Bill’s implementation, we need to make sure the voices of crop and livestock producers are represented in decision-making processes at USDA,” said Spanberger. “In our first Subcommittee hearing, we’ll begin building a strong foundation for future bipartisan work focused on promoting soil health, defending our clean air and water, and expanding sustainable agriculture programs. And as we promote smart policies that both protect the livelihoods of family farmers and conserve our natural resources, I look forward to working with Ranking Member LaMalfa on advancing our shared priorities of a strong farm economy, successful working lands initiatives, and responsible forest management.”

Specific details for the hearing are as follows:

U.S. House Agriculture Committee Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee Hearing

TOPIC: “To Review USDA Farm Bill Conservation Programs”

WHEN: Wednesday, May 15, 2019 – 10:00AM

WHERE: 1300 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

The Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee is responsible for legislation related to soil conservation, resource management, forestry, and water quality. In her role as Chair, Spanberger is working to advance priorities on the Subcommittee that are important to Central Virginia’s crop and livestock producers, including issues related to soil health and water quality.

BACKGROUND

Since arriving in the U.S. House, Spanberger has worked to hear directly from Central Virginians about issues related to conservation agriculture. Last month, Spanberger met with Virginia environmental groups to hear their thoughts on how best to expand successful conservation practices, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and promote access to clean air and water across Central Virginia. And in March, she convened a group of Amelia County farmers and cattlemen to discuss challenges facing local producers, including burdensome federal regulations.

Spanberger is also a member of the House Agriculture Committee’s Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit Subcommittee. In this role, Spanberger focuses on agricultural markets, credit, rural electrification, and rural development issues—including expanding rural broadband access in Central Virginia and across rural America.

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