WASHINGTON (WCAX) – Vermont Senator Peter Welch is hoping to steer Farm Bill funding toward those who have been impacted by flooding and other natural disasters.
A subcommittee Welch chairs on Wednesday unveiled the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act, a measure included in the Farm Bill that includes proposals championed by Welch ranging from support to farmers impacted by flooding to water testing technology in rural communities.
“Extreme weather events are wreaking havoc on communities across the country—including in Vermont, where communities are still grappling with the aftermath of last summer’s brutal floods,” Welch said. “This Farm Bill includes crucial priorities I’ve pushed for that work to streamline and improve disaster relief for communities impacted by flooding and natural disasters and increase funding for programs that support resiliency for farmers in Vermont and across the country.”
Other elements of the bill include efforts to expand rural development, increase clean energy production; improve access to nutrition, support “Vermont-sized” farms, and strengthen local food systems.