At hearing on next Farm Bill, Republican questions Vilsack's focus on rural development

A Congressional hearing called to discuss issues with the 2012 Farm Bill focused mainly on local questions from House Agriculture Committee members for Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, including an accusation he was sacrificing traditional agriculture to focus on rural economic development. Rep. Frank Lucas, the senior Republican on the committee, chided Vilsack for "giving conventional farm programs short shrift" in favor of a focus on rural economic development and local food, Philip Brasher of The Des Moines Register reports.

"Are you talking about turning rural America into a bedroom community?" Lucas asked. Vilsack countered that "funding for broadband expansion, small-scale food production and other programs were needed to increase rural business opportunities and stabilize communities," Brasher writes. Some conventional growers have voiced disapproval of Vilsack's emphasis on assistance to small-scale farms and processors, but the secretary argues "promoting local food production will not only keep people on the land but also build public for farm programs in general," Brasher writes. (Read more)