Video & Transcript : 'farm programs' :
Page 38 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 4/24/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- institution program.
- institution program.
- institution program.
- institution program.
- Likewise, there's also a farm-to-school and early care program that receives $2 million, which allows
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Ag culture and our Farm Fresh program, we've kind of set the bar here.
- It's all voluntary, we don't do mandates and so through our farm to school program, our school has bought
- I know that the farm fresh program with the renewed or maybe, you know, excited interest in Maha, you
- My program, the Farm Fresh program, is strictly a volunteer program, but we have about, you know, a large
- Family Land Heritage Program for farming that land for over 100 years, and I'm very proud of that. and
Committee:
House Agriculture & Livestock
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House repasses conference committee agreement on HF2446 5/18/25
Transcript Highlights:
- It's the farm workers. just the farmers. It's the farm workers.
- programs.
- And then an extra $1.2 million in funding to farm-to-school and early care programs as well.
- farming was bad.
- I recognize a member from Olmsted, Representative Smith. farming, somehow large farming was bad. farming
Summary:
The House took up the conference committee report on House File 2446, the agriculture budget bill for the Department of Agriculture. Representative Anderson explained that the conference agreement kept the core House and Senate priorities while accepting some Senate policy provisions and fee increases, including grain license fees and food handling fees. He said the overall target was reduced, but major programs were preserved, including funding for the Board of Animal Health, egg emergency and inspection programs, elk and wolf compensation, milk processing capacity, farm safety and innovation, a new bioefficiency program to reduce fertilizer use in limited areas, and increased meat inspection funding.
Representative Hansen and several other members urged adoption, describing the bill as a bipartisan “hybrid” that reflects changing agriculture and includes both traditional farm support and newer priorities. Supporters highlighted food assistance and worker protections, including funding to offset federal cuts to local food purchasing and milk distribution programs, farm-to-school and early care programs, avian flu testing, urban agriculture, and a study to expand Olmsted County’s soil health and nitrate reduction work. Some members noted concerns about fees, while others emphasized support for all types of agriculture, cottage food bakers, and the role of farm workers.
After debate, the House adopted the conference committee report and advanced the bill. Following further discussion, the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a roll call vote of 130 ayes and 4 nays, and its title was agreed to.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 675 will secure the future of California's farm to school program by making it state law.
- No program has been spared. That is why codifying California Farm to School Program is essential.
- California's farm to school program provides fresh, healthy food for our students. is working.
- CAF has a legacy. of farm-to-school programming because over 30 years ago, we recognized the economic
- So our work at CAF and the CDFA Farm to School Program are essential.
Committee:
House Agriculture
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Department of Agriculture update 2/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, farm to food security. So, this is a new name for a program that you'll recognize.
- So we offer low-interest loan programs for a variety of farm activities, and you'll see a list there.
- So we offer low-interest loan programs for a variety of farm activities, and you'll see a list there.
- So we offer low-interest loan programs for a variety of farm activities, and you'll see a list there.
- So we offer low-interest loan programs for a variety of farm activities, and you'll see a list there.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- This week is American Farm Bureau's Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week, so we appreciate the
- This week is American Farm Bureau's Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week, so we appreciate the
- This week is American Farm Bureau's Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week, so we appreciate the
- Programs like the Minnesota farm and rural helpline and mental health counseling services have proven
- I think it just clarifies that these programs also apply to farm workers and employees, and I would ask
Committee:
House Agriculture Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/2/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> of A on the Agri program. of A on the Agri program.
- We also do some food service work, including farm-to-school programs.
- </c><00:30:16.159><c> programs.
- </c> uh farm-toschool programs. uh farm-toschool programs.
- Farms are not vacant land.
Committee:
House Agriculture Finance and Policy
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Nov 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- , how do we get you into those work-based learning programs at that same farm where you can build that
- You'll note that the front cover also demonstrates the importance of our Farm to School program.
- Adequate funding for farm-to-school programs.
- Adequate funding for farm-to-school programs is the best way to market.
- We are a small farms program as many of our farms in the state are.
Committee:
House Water & Natural Resources Committee
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 26th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Our farm workers remind us.
- of a farm worker, the great-granddaughter of a farm worker, and somehow their story didn't end in the
- And as we make this change to Farm Worker Day, we are making a broader statement to honor farm workers
- You cannot support farm workers while undermining the farms that employ them.
- You cannot support farm workers while undermining the farms that employ them.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several guest introductions, including a Canadian diplomatic delegation visiting for Canada Day at the Capitol and the undefeated Under-11 San Juan Spirits soccer team. The chamber also recognized guests connected to later resolutions, including families and advocates tied to profound autism and farm worker issues, as well as arts education leaders.
The Senate adopted SR 89, recognizing March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day, after remarks emphasizing the need for greater awareness, research inclusion, and lifelong services for people with profound autism and their caregivers. Members also adopted SCR 147, proclaiming March 26 as Arts Education Month, with support focused on the value of arts education for creativity, engagement, and student success. Both resolutions passed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes.
The chamber then took up AB 2156, an urgency measure renaming Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Worker Day and proclaiming March 31 as Farm Worker Day. Supporters from multiple caucuses and regions spoke about the history of farm labor, the contributions and sacrifices of farm workers, and the need to honor the broader movement and its diverse participants; some speakers also referenced recent allegations and the desire to center survivors and workers rather than one individual. The bill passed with 37 ayes and 0 noes, including the urgency clause.
The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of several items without objection, then adjourned in memory of Caitlin Mardell Mallet and Roxanne Miller. The session concluded with announcements of a committee meeting and a one-week spring recess, with the next floor session scheduled for April 6, 2026.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/23/26
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The LEAD Ag Institute is a new program created by the Minnesota Farm Bureau to equip member leaders with
- As we heard from Senator Putnam, this program has helped 112 farmers purchase their first farm, and we
- </c> benefit from this program. benefit from this program.
- Our CSA program is a program that we purchase farm shares from local farmers.
- a program that we Our CSA program is a program that we purchase<01:23:27.240><c> farm</c><01:23:27.560
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 02/17/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- As we're looking at Farm to School and other types of food-related programs, or where we're going to
- That's all the Board of Animal Health work, but all our other programs, such as the farm surveillance
- </c><00:19:00.600><c> Sur</c> other programs such as the farm Sur other programs such as the farm Sur
- Colorado was the first state to really implement a mandatory testing program of all the dairy farms to
- I know other direct-market farmers who are using programs like Farm to School and benefiting from the
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Wed Feb 12, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> or quantity to farm Lots the farm Lots or quantity to farm Lots the farm Lots generally<00:38:48.040
- </c> testify Hawaii Farm testify Hawaii Farm [Music] Hawaii Farm Bureau: Good afternoon, Chair, Vice
- </c><02:00:19.800><c> bu</c> support Farm Bureau hello the farm bu support Farm Bureau hello the farm
- We will take the Hawaii Farm Bureau's recommendations to add all the program funding from Act 231, HB
- We will take the Hawaii Farm Bureau's recommendations to add all the program funding from Act 231, HB
Committee:
House Agriculture & Food Systems
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Dec 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And when the program was reauthorized, it was tied to the farm bill, the major legislation that provides
- I am going to speak today about a program called Farm to Food Pantry. My name is David Bobanick.
- I am going to speak today about a program called Farm to Food Pantry. My name is David Bobanick.
- Farm to Food Pantry is a program that started out when we had, as an organization, it's now in its 10th
- Farm to Food Pantry is a program that started out when we had as an organization, it's now in its 10th
Committee:
House Agriculture & Natural Resources
Summary:
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on food systems and food security, with no public testimony. The first panel covered household food security and data. Marie Spiker of UW explained how food insecurity is measured, its health impacts, and the importance of reliable data, warning that the federal Census food security data is being terminated and that Washington’s WAFOOD surveys are a useful but non-representative complement. Katie Raines of WSDA described the state’s food systems work, including efforts to build shared data and dashboard monitoring, coordinate across agencies and partners, and strengthen the hunger safety net and local food supply chain.
The committee then heard from Tracy Roof of the University of Richmond, who gave a history of SNAP/food stamps as both an anti-hunger program and an agricultural support tied to the farm bill. She described how the program evolved from Depression-era commodity distribution to a permanent federal-state program, how it became countercyclical during recessions, and how state policy changes and outreach increased participation. She also noted SNAP’s economic multiplier effects and said Washington’s enrollment is in the middle of the pack nationally, while future federal changes could reduce eligibility and shift more costs to states.
A later panel focused on food security challenges and opportunities across the food system. The Washington Food Policy Forum, through Danny Madrone and Chris Elder, outlined its consensus-based recommendations on food insecurity, climate and water, regional infrastructure, farmland protection, and support for small and mid-sized farms. A joint industry panel from the Farm Bureau, Retail Association, and Food Industry Association emphasized agriculture’s economic scale, rising costs, loss of farms, retail theft, and the importance of local grocery stores and SNAP/WIC partnerships. State agency representatives from DSHS and DOH described current program impacts and risks: DSHS said federal H.R. 1 could require Washington to pay up to 15% of SNAP benefits and tighten eligibility, while DOH highlighted WIC, farmers market nutrition, fruit-and-vegetable incentives, and a new Medicaid waiver project, but warned that unstable funding and the end of SNAP-Ed threaten program continuity. No votes were taken.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:26:21.440><c> due</c><00:26:21.600><c> to</c> to farms to for farm losses due to to farms to
- Federal disaster programs like crop insurance and disaster assistance aren't designated for farms like
- for farms.
- Permanent funding supporting a program to maintain the viability of farms and forestry operations and
- Permanent funding supporting a program to maintain the viability of farms and forestry operations and
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We pay 462% more on-farm in labor expenses in 2020 than other farms in the country.
- I would encourage you to continue to explore voluntary programs for our farm community.
- If we do not have financial stability for our farms, we do not have farms.
- Voluntary programs. Again, we've talked about that some. Voluntary programs are important.
- So I, my husband and I operate my family farm. We're a very small farm.
Summary:
The committee first received an update from Larry Madsen of the Office of Columbia River on eastern Washington water supply projects. He described the office’s mission to develop new water supplies for in-stream and out-of-stream uses, noting that funded projects have developed more than 800,000 acre-feet of water toward a 1 million acre-foot goal by 2030. He reviewed the four major program areas: the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program, the Walla Walla Water 2050 plan, the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, and the Icicle Work Group. He highlighted major projects such as East Low Canal work, Springwood Ranch reservoir planning, Bateman Island causeway removal, and Icicle Creek improvements, and emphasized the importance of state, federal, tribal, and nonprofit partnerships and cost-sharing. Senators asked about accelerating the Springwood Ranch study, reservoir sizing and refill potential, and how conservation fits into the Yakima plan.
The committee then heard from Betsy Peabody, Dr. Micah Horwith, and Bill Dewey on the Marine Resources Advisory Council and ocean acidification. They explained that Washington was an early bellwether for ocean acidification impacts, especially on shellfish hatcheries, where low aragonite saturation and changing pH caused major oyster larval mortality. They described the state’s monitoring network, hatchery buffering systems, research partnerships, and adaptation strategies such as kelp co-culture, selective breeding, and native oyster restoration. Testimony stressed that ocean acidification is affecting shellfish, Dungeness crab, razor clams, and even salmon, and that continued state investment, emissions reductions, and nutrient pollution control are needed. Senators asked about differences between native and farmed species, real-time monitoring, and the pH/aragonite thresholds that threaten shellfish production.
Finally, Todd Myers and Pam Lewis of the Washington Policy Center presented concerns about agricultural viability, sustainability, and food security. Lewis said Washington farms are under severe financial pressure, citing negative farm take-home pay, high production and labor costs, and the need to rely more on voluntary programs, tax relief, and labor cost changes. She also argued that food insecurity is rising and that donations to food banks are harder when farms are financially strained. Myers followed with remarks on forest health and salmon recovery, arguing for more active forest management, expanded use of Good Neighbor Authority, and fewer permitting barriers. He also said salmon recovery funding should be locally prioritized and science-based, with regulatory barriers reduced so projects can move faster. The committee then voted to refer Senate Bill 6154, a culvert replacement permitting bill, to the Senate Local Government Committee without recommendation, and the motion passed.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- I've got some representatives here from Lyon County Farm Bureau and McCracken County Farm Bureau.
- </c> recognize the Hardin County Farm Bureau. recognize the Hardin County Farm Bureau.
- </c> from Farm Bureau that's here with today. from Farm Bureau that's here with today.
- </c> are in the program as well. are in the program as well.
- farm, that's changed.
Committee:
House Agriculture
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 15th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We pay 462% more on-farm in labor expenses in 2020 than other farms in the country.
- I would encourage you to continue to explore voluntary programs for our farm community.
- If we do not have financial stability for our farms, we do not have farms.
- Voluntary programs. Again, we've talked about that some. Voluntary programs are important.
- So I, my husband and I operate my family farm. We're a very small farm.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Line 85 is a new appropriation for the Farm Safety, Health and Wellness program.
- The farm to school program with the new language from 2024, and then Clause F sets the base for Agri.
- > with</c><00:19:31.280><c> the</c><00:19:31.400><c> new</c> the farm to school program with the new
- the farm to school program with the new language<00:19:32.159><c> from</c> 2024<00:19:38.640><c> and<
- Section 9 modifies the farm down payment assistance grants program. fiscal year fiscal year 2025<00:21
Bills:
HF1704
Committee:
House Agriculture Finance and Policy
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Mar 20, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau.
- , farming, farming, bonafide<00:19:01.560><c> farm</c><00:19:01.920><c> farming,</c><00:19:02.360><c>
- production,</c> bonafide farm farming, production, bonafide farm farming, production, whatever<00:19
- of what farming is.
- of what farming is.
Keywords:
agriculture, biosecurity, grant funding, food security, climate resiliency, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, agribusiness, state employment, invasive species, lease provisions, environment, food safety, farmers, local food systems, rural development, livestock, forage grasses, pest management
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee and Assembly Agriculture Committee Oct 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- In terms of ag, I grew up on a tomato farm.
- When I open the paper daily and I see small farms abandoned or farms without a plan for transition, I
- So our family is dedicated to supporting local farms and communities through its farming practices and
- farming practice and sales.
- So I'm here today in my representation of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, but I still farm on the side
Summary:
The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact and Agriculture, held at Fresno State, focused on cost pressures in California’s food system, household affordability, and the Central Valley’s role in agriculture. Opening remarks emphasized Fresno State’s regional importance, the Central Valley’s outsized contribution to food production, and the connection between agricultural health, food security, and the broader economy. Members also noted the impact of the federal shutdown on CalFresh benefits and the state’s efforts to respond with food assistance funding and National Guard support for food banks.
The first panel featured academic and policy experts who described agriculture’s economic importance in the San Joaquin Valley and the rising pressures on farms and households. Dr. Conduro highlighted agriculture’s large share of regional GDP, farm receipts, jobs, exports, and food manufacturing, while identifying water scarcity, SGMA-related land fallowing, labor shortages and rising labor costs, market volatility, invasive pests, and production cost inflation as major barriers. Caroline Danielson of PPIC said food prices remain about 30% above 2019 levels, food insecurity affects about 1.8 million California households, and nutrition programs such as CalFresh, WIC, and school meals are essential in reducing poverty, especially in the Central Valley. Susie Pryor of the Central California Small Business Development Center described technical assistance, capital access, and training for small food and farm businesses, while warning that reduced funding limits support for rural and immigrant entrepreneurs.
The second panel brought testimony from a small produce business owner, a food entrepreneur, and the Fresno County Farm Bureau. They said input costs for fertilizer, fuel, irrigation, labor, land leases, and compliance have risen sharply while commodity prices have remained flat or fallen, squeezing small farms and food businesses. Panelists stressed the need for small-batch processing facilities, local supply chains, education on food manufacturing compliance, land access for small farmers, and more pathways into agriculture through trade programs, community colleges, and FFA. Ryan Jacobson said California agriculture is facing a prolonged downturn, with farm bankruptcies, weak commodity prices, export-market uncertainty, water reliability problems, and costly ag-burning rules all contributing to financial strain. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible policy solutions and continued engagement with stakeholders.