Josh Riley Introduces Two New Bipartisan Farm Bill Priorities 

Will Boost Rural Communities and Support Future Farm Leaders.

It was last week that Congressman Josh Riley announced two new bipartisan initiatives that he will  lead in upcoming negotiations on the Farm Bill. 

His proposals include directing funding to rural communities that need it most and ensure the next generation of producers has the support they need.

“For too long, family farms in small towns all across Upstate New York have been sold out to special interests who spend millions lobbying on behalf of the Big Ag monopolies,” said Riley. “I’m fighting to change that by supporting the next generation of Upstate farmers with the tools they need to grow our food and strengthen our economy.”

The Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act reauthorizes and expands funding for rural cooperative development grants, which are a lifeline for many rural small businesses, farmers, and cooperatives. The bill provides local producers in economically distressed communities with technical assistance, training, and capital access.  He’s introducing this bill alongside California Republican David Valadao.

Riley’s second bill, The Future FARMERS Act, reauthorizes over $40 million in grants and fellowships for food and agricultural sciences education. He’sintroducing this bill with Iowa Republican Randy Feenstra.

Josh Riley is a member of the House Agriculture Committee.