Thursday, July 26, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Meets With Missouri Farmers at Agriculture Roundtable in Sikeston
SIKESTON – Gov. Matt Blunt today listened to the needs, issues and concerns facing Missouri farm families and agriculture leaders at a roundtable discussion in Southeast Missouri. Representatives from multiple sectors of Bootheel agriculture and agro-business were on hand to discuss their unique needs as well as concerns and opportunities facing the industry as a whole.
"Agriculture is the bedrock of our state’s cultural heritage and major driver of our state’s economy," Gov. Matt Blunt said. "Technology, value-added agricultural products, and evolving demand for agricultural products are revolutionizing the industry. We need to be ready for these changes, and we need to adapt our practices to reflect the changes that have already occurred. Listening and visiting with Missouri farmers one-on-one is important to ensuring that my administration is addressing the challenges confronting our family farmers and agriculture business leaders."
At the governor’s direction, Department of Agriculture Director Katie Smith has been visiting with farmers across the state to hear from all cross sections of Missouri agriculture.
"Missouri’s producers are innovative businessmen and women. Our tours have highlighted the diversity of the Missouri agriculture industry and the innovation Missouri farmers are incorporating to meet evolving agriculture needs," said Agriculture Director Katie Smith. "I believe as Governor Blunt believes in the importance of reaching out to farm families across Missouri and listening to their concerns."
Gov. Blunt has been a leader for Missouri agriculture during his two and a half years as governor. The governor has advocated for value added programs such as the Missouri Branded Beef Initiative, Quality Systems Assessment and Biofuel production. In 2007 the governor recommended increasing funding for the Missouri Agriculture Small Business Development Authority in order to expand opportunities for participation.
Blunt was the first governor to recommend and secure full funding for both the Ethanol and Biodiesel Producer Incentive Funds. He has also worked to secure all back payments due to farmers from the ethanol producer fund in prior years. His establishment of a 10 percent ethanol standard will spur growth in rural communities and lessen Missouri’s dependence on foreign oil.
Blunt has worked to highlight the value of Missouri-made beef to ensure Missouri farmers are compensated for the high quality of their beef. Under Blunt’s leadership, Missouri was the first state in the nation to be certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a beef quality assurance program.
The roundtable discussion follows Director Smith’s visits to a beef farm, meat processing and retail facility, a biomass energy plant, flood damaged farm, dairy farm, a wood products manufacturer and vineyard.
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