This week at Missouri’s State Capitol, a bipartisan family farm caucus was organized. Representatives David Klindt (R-Bethany) and Maurice Lawson (D-St. Joseph) led the effort of forming the Family Farm Caucus consisting of 63 house members from all over the state.
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This week at Missouri’s State Capitol, a bipartisan family farm caucus was organized. Representatives David Klindt (R-Bethany) and Maurice Lawson (D-St. Joseph) led the effort of forming the Family Farm Caucus consisting of 63 house members from all over the state.
“We are forming this caucus to help preserve Missouri’s family farms. Agriculture is vital to the economic future of rural communities as well as the economic stability of our urban areas,” Rep Klindt stated.
Rep. Lawson says, “Missouri’s family farmers are in difficult times due to the disappearance of independent markets, increased government regulations, and increasing growth of corporate agriculture. Many issues are causing problems for family farmers. This caucus will concentrate on agriculture issues, but other issues and priorities that influence agriculture will be debated and promoted.”
The number of full-time farms has decreased by almost 5,000 farms in the last five years. A real concern for consumers and farmers is increased control of our food supply brought on by consolidation and decreased competition. The Family Farm Caucus, with near equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans, is committed to working together to educate, promote, and legislate to insure the future of Missouri’s Family Farms.
“The family farm is the foundation upon which Missouri was built, and is a vital component of Missouri’s economy,” stated House Speaker Steve Gaw, D-Moberly, a member of the caucus. “It is critical that we address the serious problems facing farmers and protect this self- sufficient way of life.”
Almost one out of every 6.6 workers in Missouri are employed in agriculture production and related agribusiness industries.
House Minority Leader Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City, said. “If we accomplish nothing else this session but to shift the primary focus to the stability of the family farmer, then it will be a success.”