[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 43 (Thursday, March 17, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H1452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK

  (Mr. SMITH of Nebraska asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I rise during National 
Agriculture Week to recognize the tireless work of our farmers, 
ranchers, and producers. I am proud to represent Nebraska's Third 
District, the number one agriculture district in the Nation.
  As the world's population grows, demand for food is projected to 
increase by as much as 60 percent by 2050. This provides great 
opportunity for Nebraska agriculture.
  Our innovative producers utilize the latest advancements in the 
industry, including biotechnology. When biotechnology is applied to 
cultivated crops, producers increase yields while using less land, less 
water, and fewer chemicals. Not only is this good for the environment, 
it also lowers the cost of food at a time when one in eight people 
worldwide is suffering from chronic malnutrition.
  Study after study has shown the safety and vast benefits of biotech 
crops. I am confident our farmers and ranchers can meet growing global 
demand, but the Federal Government must let them do their jobs. As 
founder and co-chairman of the Modern Agriculture Caucus, I am 
committed to promoting sound policies to help producers do what they do 
best: help feed the world.

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