Issues / Agriculture
Agriculture is one of the most vital aspects of Oklahoma's
economy. We have relied on the land for generations. But
drive down almost any street of a small rural town in
our state and you can see and feel the challenges farmers
and ranchers face.
America's farms and ranches are experiencing
some of the worst conditions since the early part of
the last century, as rising expenses, industry consolidation
and increasing global competition are driving family
farms out of business. Our farmers and ranchers provide
the safest, most abundant and affordable food supply
in the world and they deserve policies that allow them
to continue the work they love and that preserve the
rural lifestyle that brought countless families to Eastern
Oklahoma in the first place.
Our farmers and ranchers need relief
from a complex federal tax code that - in the case of
the estate tax - has forced some to give up farms that
have been in their families for generations. They need
fair trade agreements that level the playing field at
a time when our country is importing an increasing percentage
of its food. And they need common-sense reforms to environmental
laws that respect the rights of private property owners.
As one of the nation's top agriculture
producing states, Oklahoma has a lot at stake when Congress
considers policies that affect farmers and ranchers.
Since first being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives,
Congressman Boren has:
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Voted for permanent
repeal of the estate tax |
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Voted to reform
the Endangered Species Act, removing burdensome
restrictions on what private landowners can do with
their land |
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Voted for a Farm
Bill that recognizes the importance of Eastern Oklahoma's
specialty crops |
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Introduced legislation
with Congresswoman Mary Fallin to ease restrictions
on farm trucks |
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Successfully fought
to keep open the Agriculture Research Service Station
in Lane, Okla. |
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Fought for emergency
disaster assistance to help farmers and ranchers
crippled by prolonged drought |
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