[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ROBY ANNOUNCES CONGRESSIONAL PEANUT CAUCUS

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                            HON. MARTHA ROBY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the newly formed 
bipartisan Congressional Peanut Caucus that I have co-founded with 
Representative Samford Bishop. The caucus will serve as an informal 
group of Members of Congress dedicated to all issues related to peanuts 
and the role they play in on our Nation's agriculture industry.
  Representative Bishop and I formed this caucus to promote and support 
peanut production--a crucial part of the agriculture industry in the 
Southern States we represent. Representative Bishop has been a strong 
force in shaping Federal policies to advance the U.S. peanut industry 
and ensure it remains competitive. I am grateful for the opportunity to 
work on this initiative with such a strong advocate.
  Agriculture remains the number one industry in my State of Alabama, 
and has been a top priority for me since taking office. The peanut 
industry--specifically--is an essential and recognizable commodity for 
Alabama. Seven States account for approximately 99% of all peanuts 
grown in the U.S. Alabama is among the top few States, along with 
Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi that produces a major share of our 
Nation's peanut crop.
  Our country's reliance on domestic agricultural production is rising 
with continuous population growth. Peanuts are the 12th most valuable 
cash crop grown in the United States with a farm value of over one 
billion dollars. The World Bank and the U.S. Agency for International 
Development are both looking at peanuts and peanut producers as vital 
components in fighting global malnutrition. In addition, the spectrum 
of new and emerging research related to peanuts and health is 
broadening quickly. The application of this research may lead to a 
better understanding of ways to reduce the risk of certain diseases, 
including Type Two diabetes and some cancers. Therefore, we must ensure 
that our farmers across the Nation have the resources necessary to 
maintain successful peanut crops from year to year.
  Congressional Caucuses are an important way to increase awareness of 
principal issues and identify legislative priorities. As 
Representatives, it is our responsibility to bring the voices of 
farmers from all over the country to the forefront of the discussion 
and to ensure that all of their interests are fairly represented. 
Members of the Peanut Caucus will have the ability to collectively 
advocate in Congress for peanut farmers and producers of this important 
crop.
  Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues and I begin to prepare for the next 
Farm Bill, we believe it must contain provisions that are beneficial to 
American farmers, while also maintaining fiscal restraint. With that in 
mind, it is my hope that this Caucus will serve as a working group for 
members from our Nation's peanut States and will help streamline 
communication between Congressional offices. I urge any interested 
colleague to join us on the Peanut Caucus, and I look forward to 
working with Chairman Lucas and the House Agriculture Committee on the 
next Farm Bill as we consider legislative issues that affect our 
Nation's peanut farmers.

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