(Warwick, R.I.) - Congressman Jim Langevin today voted to support H.R. 2419 - the Farm Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007. This $289 billion Conference Report reauthorizes various federal agriculture, nutrition and conservation programs through Fiscal Year 2012. This measure passed by a vote of 318-106, a veto proof majority.
 
“While this is not a perfect bill,  I am confident it will help Rhode Islanders meet growing environmental challenges, give consumers more healthy food choices, and promote critical renewable energy development,” said Langevin. “I am proud to support such a comprehensive measure that will help Rhode Islanders conserve our natural resources as well as feed some of our neediest citizens.”

Some of the highlights of H.R. 2419 include:
• Increasing conservation funding
• Increasing specialty crop funding, allowing a larger percentage of Rhode Island farmers access to equal assistance and to conservation programs
• Increasing nutrition funding, including food stamps and other programs aimed at children and seniors
• Increasing school nutrition program funding
• Extending the Milk Income Loss Contract Dairy Program to northeast dairy farmers including Rhody Fresh Milk
• Expanding renewable energy research
• Increasing funding for horticulture and organic agriculture
• Increasing funding to ensure the food supply is safe and stable

 “It was also imperative that the Farm Bill take into consideration the country’s current economic state,” continued Langevin. “This bill will help stock food banks across our country by increasing funding to the Emergency Food Assistance Program by $1.26 billion.” 

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