Monroe, MI - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) toured two farms today as part of his annual summer tradition of reaching out to farmers in Michigan’s 15th Congressional District. Dingell visited the Lennard Ag Company in Samaria, and he also toured the Calder Dairy Farm in Carleton.
“While I enjoy the Farm tour and luncheon for many different reasons each and every year, none can be more important than the opportunity to sit down and hear the issues and concerns facing the farmers in the 15th District,” Dingell told the attendees. “I know that agriculture is not an easy industry to be in, and it is extremely important to me that I have the opportunity to hear right from the horse’s mouth what is going on.”
Dingell spoke with farmers about current agriculture issues, including new technologies that are increasing efficiency in agriculture, land conservation, biotechnology, and the upcoming Farm Bill. He also discussed the newly enacted, FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. This landmark reform, authored and fought for by Dingell, overhauls the nation’s food safety system; improves the capacity of FDA and manufacturers to prevent food safety problems; and empowers FDA to detect and immediately respond to food-borne illness outbreaks.
Dingell said, “Today’s tour reinforced that the farmers in Southeast Michigan are honest, hard-working men and women who want to be able to continue the work that they do. I know for many there is no tougher time to be a farmer, and I want to thank the farmers of the 15th District for opening up to be about the troubles they are facing. Hearing the concerns of my constituents directly will enable me to better address these needs though my work in Congress.”
###
