May 1, 2023

Dear Georgian,

On average, Americans pay less for food as a percentage of their income than people in most other countries, thanks to our farmers, ranchers, and sound agriculture policy.

Currently, only 12% of Farm Bill baseline spending is projected to go towards production agriculture, while over 82% will go towards mandatory spending on SNAP.

As Congress works to write the next Farm Bill, it’s vital that we have a strong focus on production agriculture and improving the farm safety net during these turbulent times. I will continue to advocate for policies that take care of our rural economies and ensure we have an abundant, affordable food supply that isn’t dependent on foreign nations.

As always, my staff and I are here to help. If you need assistance with a federal agency or have comments or concerns to share with me, please do not hesitate to call my Warner Robins, Tifton, or Washington, D.C. offices. To receive frequent updates, I encourage you to visit my website, like my Facebook page, follow me on YouTube, and follow me on Twitter.

Keep reading for the full update.

Sincerely,

Congressman Austin Scott

Listening to Producer Perspectives Ahead of Farm Bill

Last week, I chaired a two-part hearing about producer perspectives on the 2023 Farm Bill for the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.

With 90% of our nation’s food supply coming from approximately 12% of our nation’s producers, there’s no question that food security is national security, and a strong farm safety net is a top priority in the next Farm Bill.

Read more here.

Celebrating the Air Force Reserve

The Air Force Reserve recently celebrated its 75th birthday, and I co-hosted a celebration in D.C. with Representatives Sanford Bishop and Ted Lieu.

I am honored to represent the community of Warner Robins, where the Air Force Reserve Command Headquarters is located at Robins Air Force Base.

On behalf of the House Armed Services Committee and the people of Georgia's Eighth Congressional District, I thank the Citizen Airmen of the Air Force Reserve and wish the Air Force Reserve a very happy 75th birthday!

Read more here.

Announcing Art Competition Winners

My wife, Vivien, and staff hosted a reception in Valdosta to celebrate participants in this year's Congressional Art Competition and to recognize the grand prize winner Ariella Ramos from Coffee County High School.

Ariella's painting, Baja el Mismo Sol, was selected by a distinguished panel from Valdosta State University as the overall winner and will hang in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside the winning artwork from every other Congressional district.

The second-place winner was Allie Jackson from Lowndes High School for her piece "Ascension." Houston County High School student Kevin Zheng came in third place for his piece "Eye for an Eye."

With over 3000 votes cast in the People's Choice Award through Facebook, this year's People Choice Award winner is Madie McDaniel from Cook County High School for her piece "To God be the Glory." This artwork will also go to Washington, D.C., and hang in my office.

Read more here.

House Agriculture Subcommittee Hearing on Producer Farm Bill Perspectives

Joining AgNet to Discuss SNAP

Successful Farming | Ag Leaders Lobby for Better Risk Management Programs at U.S. House Farm Bill Hearing

"Commodity trade group leaders at a U.S. House Agriculture subcommittee hearing this week advocated for bolstered risk management programs and maintaining foreign market access as tools to support farmers amid volatile times.

The industry representatives said supply chain disruptions and increased production costs have tightened margins for large-scale farmers, and decreased the effectiveness of commodity and crop insurance programs in supporting them amid disasters. Such federal programs are intended to lessen the risk of farming for producers of major commodities like corn, wheat, soybeans and other crops."

Read more here.

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