[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 69 (Tuesday, May 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB GIBBS

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2012

  Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 150th anniversary of 
President Abraham Lincoln signing into law an act of Congress 
establishing the United States Department of Agriculture. Since May 15, 
1862, the USDA's work on agriculture, economic development, science, 
natural resource conservation and many other important issues has 
impacted the lives of generations of Americans.
  As the first Member of Congress who has also served as President of a 
state farm bureau and a farmer of 30 years, I know firsthand the 
valuable programs the USDA provides to rural America. Whether you need 
help with growing, grazing, or international trade, the USDA works to 
ensure that Ohio's number one industry remains a viable part of 
American society. The USDA has taken historic steps to improve the 
lives of rural Americans and build thriving economies in rural 
communities, a fact that does not go unnoticed in our state with over 
26,207,000 acres of farmland.
  I am proud to submit to the Congressional Record this column by 
American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman, which highlights the story 
of the USDA and the important role science and technology played in the 
American farming industry.

                     [From the AgAgenda, May 2012.]

               USDA: Celebrating 150 Years of Innovation

                           (By Bob Stallman)

       President Abraham Lincoln is known for many achievements 
     during his lifetime, but a little known triumph of his--that 
     affects farmers and ranchers greatly--was the establishment 
     of the United States Department of Agriculture 150 years ago.
       On May 15, 1862, President Lincoln signed into law a bill 
     establishing a new Department of Agriculture, which was 
     specifically directed to acquire information through 
     ``practical and scientific experiments'' and to collect and 
     propagate ``new and valuable seeds and plants'' and 
     distribute these to the nation's agriculturists. It is clear, 
     Lincoln was a man beyond his time.


                          A Man with a Vision

       Lincoln understood the importance of agriculture to 
     America, and, as importantly, he realized science and 
     technology played a major role in the farming industry. 
     Without a doubt, I believe Lincoln today would embrace the 
     many technological advancements farmers use on their farms, 
     including biotechnology.
       Lincoln once wrote: ``Every blade of grass is a study, and 
     to produce two, where there was but one, is both a profit and 
     a pleasure. And not grass alone, but soils, seeds and 
     seasons--hedges, ditches and fences, draining, droughts and 
     irrigation--plowing, hoeing and harrowing--reaping, mowing 
     and threshing--saving crops, pests of crops, diseases of 
     crops and what will prevent or cure them . . . the thousand 
     things of which these are specimens--each a world of study 
     within itself.''
       The federal government was, from the beginning of its 
     involvement in agriculture, dedicated to scientific progress 
     in farming. This commitment continues today and is shared by 
     farmers and ranchers across the country, regardless of the 
     methods of food and fiber production they use--organic, 
     conventional or biotechnology. They all need science.


                            Full Speed Ahead

       The importance of science and innovation--biotechnology in 
     particular--to agriculture will be significant as we face 
     several challenges in the years ahead. The world's population 
     just passed the 7 billion mark. According to the World Food 
     Program, the best estimate is that 1 billion people (one in 
     seven) are hungry and food insecure. By 2050 the world's 
     population will rise to 9 billion people. This means we must 
     double world food production by 2050 in order to meet this 
     challenge.
       Further, we must accomplish this hefty goal while realizing 
     that our Earth is fragile. To take care of our environment, 
     we must embrace agriculture research, science, innovation and 
     biotechnology.
       When it comes to medical care, communication and 
     transportation we accept the importance of innovation. We 
     need to do the same when it comes to the production of food.
       Earlier this year, the United Nations issued a special 
     report recognizing that ``new `green' biotechnologies can . . 
     . improve resistance to pests, restore soil fertility and 
     contribute to the diversification of the rural economy.'' 
     Sound familiar? Seems a lot like what Lincoln described as a 
     goal 150 years ago.
       Scientists have developed new seeds that can improve yields 
     while resisting disease and requiring less water. That is 
     critical as 70 percent of all fresh water is used by 
     agriculture. American consumers and consumers all over the 
     world can feel safe with this technology and confident it 
     will improve our environment.
       While meeting these quantitative challenges and meeting our 
     environmental goals, we will strive to focus even greater 
     attention on the qualitative side, to also meet the needs of 
     consumers who express a preference for foods grown ``their 
     way.'' Science is the answer for all these missions, and 
     today's USDA is helping to blaze that trail.
       So, Happy Birthday USDA and best wishes as we continue down 
     the road for another 150 years. America's farmers, ranchers 
     and research scientists can lead the way to a new 21st 
     century Green Revolution if we follow the vision of Abraham 
     Lincoln. As Honest Abe said, ``Leave nothing for tomorrow 
     which can be done today.''

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