In the North Country, agriculture is the backbone of our economy and an indispensable part of our culture. A wide array of agricultural goods, products and agribusinesses, close proximity to the Canadian border, and a long history of conservation and family tradition are critical to economic prosperity and job security in our rural communities. Since taking office, I have been honored to visit and work closely with many farms, agricultural organizations, and agribusinesses to learn about and advocate for their key priorities to ensure our family farms grow and thrive for the next generation.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, North Country producers have stepped up to the challenges of providing a safe and an abundant food supply for families. As we work to beat the pandemic, I will continue to push for enhanced flexibility for Paycheck Protection Program loans and other support programs for farmers, ranchers, small craft breweries, and distilleries, as their survival is vital to our vibrant ag sector.

I have also called on the Biden Administration to resume direct payments to eligible farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and improve the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. This program relieved many North Country families of the food insecurity by providing them with fresh and local food. In another effort to tackle this unfortunate reality, I recently supported the GIVE MILK Act, which would increase access to milk products for WIC program participants.

In addition, a stable and reliable workforce continues to pose a challenge for North Country farmers, especially our dairy farmers. I recently cosponsored the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation that would modernize the H-2A visa process to support our local farms' workforce needs. I was a proud supporter of this solution last Congress, and I continue to work with my House colleagues to provide farmers with a modern agricultural labor program to further secure our nation’s food supply.

Additionally, any North Country farmer knows that broadband access is essential as agriculture becomes increasingly reliant on advanced technologies. Last year, I worked directly with the FCC to ensure upstate New York was eligible for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) and helped secure more than $99 million for broadband buildout in some of the most rural portions of the North Country. I will continue to cosponsor bipartisan legislation that increases rural broadband access and keeps our communities connected.

As one of the leading conservative voices for fiscally responsible solutions to the growing challenge of climate change, I will ensure our North Country farmers have a seat at the table. Farmers are the original stewards of the land, and discussions about climate change must involve their important perspective. That is why I originally cosponsored the Growing Climate Solutions Act, to reduce barriers for farmers seeking enrollment in the carbon marketplace.

This Congress, I will continue to work closely with farmers to meet their changing needs and support legislation to deter government over-regulation and expand market access for free and fair trade. And this National Agriculture Month, I commemorate our North Country dairy farmers, maple producers, apple growers, breweries, wineries, equipment dealers and agribusiness owners for their hard work, grit, and determination in providing for our rural communities and local families!

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik