Keeping Farmers and Producers in Business
“Eastern Connecticut is the most rural part of our state, with a healthy, sizable cross section of producers and farmers. Unfortunately, extreme weather events and the rising costs of goods have put a major strain on producers’ businesses.”
“In Congress, I’m working with both sides of the aisle to deliver the resources farmers need to lower costs and expand their operations. I’m also leading bipartisan efforts to support the next generation of farmers and incentivize careers in agriculture.”
-Rep. Joe Courtney, Connecticut’s 2nd District
Helping Farmers Lower Energy Costs and Conserve their Land
Clean energy technology can help famers and rural small businesses lower costs. That's why I voted to turbocharge the Rural Energy for America Program through the Inflation Reduction. At CT Equestrian Center in Coventry, a REAP grant allowed the owners to install solar technology and bring their monthly electricity bill to $0.
Rep. Courtney also voted to expand funding for agricultural conservation programs which had long been oversubscribed to help farmers protect and improve their land.
Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers
Rep. Courtney has made an important effort to preserve America's agricultural economy and create a pathway to success for small farmers.
Rep. Courtney introduced the Young Farmer Success Act, a bill that incentivizes young people to enter agricultural professions by making them eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
He also introduced the Increasing Land Access, Security and Opportunities Act to give small farmers a better shot at acquiring land and building their farms.
Supporting Dairy Farmers:
As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Dairy Caucus, Rep. Courtney has led initiatives to keep nutritious dairy options available for consumers and protect dairy products on store shelves.
Rep. Courtney has successfully led efforts to expand the variety of milk allowed in schools, including 1% and 2% low-fat milk, whole milk, and flavored milk. After a decline in milk consumption over recent years, this change will ensure that dairy farmers can provide children with healthy bone and nutritional development.
In a bipartisan effort, Reps. Joe Courtney and John Joyce (R-PA) have introduced the Dairy Pride Act, a bill to prevent milk alternatives or plant-based products from being marketed or misbranded as dairy products.
Courtney has consistently been a voice for dairy farmers in Washington. In 2024, the USDA heeded his calls to update a 2018 milk pricing change that had shortchanged dairy farmers nationwide by billions of dollars.