SE Nebraska News

Recently, U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (R-NE) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) introduced the American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act. The bipartisan legislation aims to improve competition in the U.S. food system, support regional producers and food businesses, and help reduce food costs. The act will also assist Regional Food Business Centers by providing national coverage coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building to help farmers, producers, and other food businesses access new markets and navigate federal, state, and local resources.

“Agriculture is the backbone of America and the way our country helps feed the world. Research universities, such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, do outstanding work helping support the next generation of research that’s making food production more efficient than ever before. Growing our country’s network of Regional Food and Supply Chain Resource Centers will help spur even more innovation in the coming years,” said Flood. “I appreciate Congresswoman Spanberger for introducing this legislation and I encourage my colleagues to join in supporting this effort as it works its way through the House in the months to come.”

“When our agricultural supply chains are strong, the benefits are felt all the way along the line — from producers’ bottom lines to consumers’ wallets,” said Spanberger. “Agriculture is Virginia’s number one private industry, and our local producers keep our Commonwealth fueled and fed. By making Regional Food and Supply Chain Resource Centers a permanent resource to support our agriculture industry and production capabilities, our bipartisan legislation would make sure Virginia’s farmers and ranchers — and producers across our country — have the support necessary to expand their operations, increase competition along the food supply chain, and consequently lower costs for consumers. I’m grateful for Congressman Flood’s support in working to build more innovative, competitive food systems.”

“Today almost more than ever, consumers are interested in knowing more about where their food comes from and the farmers and ranchers who grow and raise it. We appreciate the efforts of Congressman Flood (NE-1) and Congresswoman Spanberger (VA-07) to introduce the American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act in order to codify the USDA Regional Food Business Centers into law. If passed, this legislation will help continue to bridge the gap between our nation’s farm and ranch families and the families around the country who rely upon them to provide the safe, nutritious, and abundant food supply we currently enjoy,” said Mark McHargue, President of Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation.

Click here to read the full bill text.