Defending the Senate is essential to protect America's heartland and ensure the continued support of farmers, agricultural scientists, and rural communities through sustainable policies. Democrats on the Agriculture Committee, like Senator Sherrod Brown, are fighting to prioritize agriculture and secure the future of rural America.

Senator Brown, a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has introduced several bills aimed at supporting farmers and producers in Ohio and across the nation as part of the 2023 Farm Bill. His legislative package includes:

The Converting Our Waste Sustainably (COWS) Act: Co-introduced with Senator Alex Padilla, this bipartisan bill establishes a manure management conservation program to improve water quality, reduce costs, and boost farmer profits while minimizing agricultural runoff. This legislation is endorsed by major organizations like the National Milk Producers Federation and the Environmental Working Group.

Supporting Urban and Innovative Farmers Act: This bill aims to support urban and suburban farmers by increasing programmatic and research funding. It proposes reforms to improve technical assistance, enable cooperative agreements with community experts, and scale up composting and food waste initiatives.

The Enabling Farmers to Benefit from Processing Nutrition Programs Act: Co-introduced with Senator Tina Smith, this bill simplifies the process for farmers to participate in federal nutrition programs, making it easier for families to use nutrition assistance benefits at farmers markets. It requires the Department of Agriculture to streamline application processes and provide necessary technology for benefit processing.

Agriculture and America's Heartland