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May 24, 2023
Find out more about the briefings in this series below: The Process and Path Forward for Passing a Bipartisan Farm Bill Climate, Energy, and Economic Win-Wins in the Farm Bill Unlocking Rural Economies: Farm Bill Investments in Rural America The Future of Forestry in the Farm Bill Conservation Practices from Farms to Forests and Wetlands
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to watch a briefing on Farm Bill policies and programs that help farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and rural communities drive down greenhouse gas emissions, generate jobs, and stimulate the economy. Rural communities face numerous challenges, such as high energy costs, low investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, and increasingly severe weather. The Farm Bill plays an important role in helping rural America develop strong economies and build climate resilience and mitigation.
During this briefing, panelists discussed how Congress can bolster key programs in the rural development and energy titles of the Farm Bill, such as the Rural Energy Savings Program, Rural Energy for America Program, and water and wastewater technical assistance programs. These provisions help rural communities improve energy efficiency, access electrification retrofits, upgrade water systems, and build out broadband capabilities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), House Assistant Democratic Leader
Aaliyah Nedd, Director of Government Relations, National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA CLUSA)
Gary Stooksbury, Chief Executive Officer, Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc
Ted Stiger, Chief External Affairs and Policy Officer, Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP)
Duane Sherman Sr., former Chairman and CEO, Hoopa Valley Tribe
Q: What are examples of how rural development programs have increased job opportunities in rural communities, especially in unexpected ways? Nedd:
Stooksbury:
Stiger:
Sherman:
Q: What are the opportunities for rural organizations to build partnerships with academic institutions?
Nedd:
Sherman
Q: What are your thoughts on how the barriers to accessing USDA programs can be lowered?
Compiled by Parthav Easwar and edited for clarity and length. This is not a transcript.