Congressman Mike Rogers hosted a Third Congressional District Agriculture Advisory Committee meeting today in Auburn with local farmers and leaders in the agriculture industry from across East Alabama. Rogers’s committee, which includes farmers from all 13 counties across the Third District, meets regularly to discuss important issues facing the state’s number one industry.  This particular meeting was scheduled to address upcoming changes resulting from the recently passed 2014 Farm Bill.

            “These meetings are a great opportunity to talk directly with farmers and ranchers across East Alabama and hear what is important to them while discussing the ever changing status of Federal Agriculture policy. As the folks who grow America’s food, our farmers are vital to our nation’s economy and health,” Rogers said after the event.

Rogers discussed the passage of the 2014 Farm Bill and what changes farmers can expect to see.  East Alabama farmers grow or produce everything from poultry to peanuts, and the Farm Bill speaks to nearly every food product Americans purchase in the grocery store. 

Tom Ingram, a Lee County farmer and president of the Lee County Farmers Federation, said he appreciated Rogers’ efforts to support Alabama’s farmers. "Congressman Rogers was a key negotiator on this year’s Farm Bill. He is one of Alabama’s strongest advocates for agriculture and we appreciate his work to stand up for our farmers."

            The meeting was held in Auburn at Lazenby Farms with a tour of the farms afterward. “I appreciate everyone on this committee who took time from their busy schedules to be here today,” Rogers added.

            Rogers also serves as Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee on Armed Services and a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee.

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