Monday, July 30, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Hears From Missouri Farmers, Tours Rice Farm in Kennett
KENNETT–Gov. Matt Blunt today toured Dave Haggard's Rice Farm and listened to the needs, issues and concerns facing Missouri farm families and agriculture leaders in the area.
"Missouri's agriculture community is an integral and important part of our state's heritage and future economic growth," Gov. Matt Blunt said. "Taking time to listen to Missouri farmers as they discuss the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture is important to ensure my administration is doing all we can to equip Missouri to face the evolving demands of the agricultural industry."
Blunt toured the local rice farm and visited with Dave Haggard and area farmers about crop production and the agriculture issues facing Missouri farmers. At the governor's direction, Department of Agriculture Director Katie Smith has also 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.