Delaware’s agricultural community gathered with Congresswoman McBride in Harrington on February 19th for a focused discussion on the pressing issues facing local farmers. The summit brought together Farm Bureau officials and growers from throughout the First State to engage in direct dialogue about industry challenges and potential solutions.
Key issues on the table included federal Farm Bill provisions, escalating costs for farming supplies, crop insurance matters, labor shortages, and emerging agricultural technologies. Local farmers emphasized which Farm Bill elements they consider most essential for Delaware agriculture, while also expressing concerns about how mounting input expenses are squeezing their bottom lines and threatening farm viability.
McBride informed attendees that she serves on the bipartisan Poultry Caucus in the House, which Senator Chris Coons co-chairs. She indicated plans to utilize insights gained from the summit regarding insurance coverage issues and High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) in her caucus work.
The congresswoman also discussed her ongoing research into artificial intelligence applications in farming and requested farmer input to bring back to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where she serves.
Delaware Farm Bureau expressed appreciation for participating in the summit and maintaining strong collaboration with Congresswoman McBride.
