Dear Friends,

Our great nation and our great state have been blessed with some of the most fertile farmland in the world.  We have also been blessed by the hard work and dedication of the American family farmer.  This is certainly true in our congressional district.  The variety of crops and livestock that are grown in our district help feed not only the people of our state and nation, but also are exported across the world.  These include sugar beets, dry beans, grains, dairy, beef, apples and other specialty crops that are produced in great abundance.  It is vital that government do its best to support a healthy agricultural industry while at the same time avoiding over-regulation that can impede the growth of American agriculture.

This report is designed to show the importance of agriculture, provide information about the government programs designed to support the efforts of our family farmers, an update on what is happening in Congress with regard to agriculture and to receive input from those I am so proud to represent in Washington on the best way forward.

Today, Michigan produces over 200 commodities on a commercial basis making our state second in the nation for agriculture diversity.  It is undeniable the important role agriculture will play in our economic recovery.  It is also important that Congress hears directly from our nation’s farmers in order to create policies that will help the industry thrive and prosper as we develop the Farm Bill.

Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,

Candice S. Miller
Member of Congress