Washington, D.C. – The American Farm Bureau Federation honored Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) with the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award for the 116th Congress.
"I am honored to receive this award. Agriculture is a way of life in Minnesota’s Sixth District, and a priority for me in Congress. Whether it’s major commodities such as soybeans and hogs, or more specialized products such as sweet corn or green peas, Minnesota is recognized as an agricultural leader throughout the country,” said Emmer. “I remain committed to supporting farmers, ranchers and our agricultural industry. I’m honored by this award and thank the Farm Bureau for their partnership and advocacy."
"Minnesota Farm Bureau appreciates Representative Emmer’s commitment to supporting farmers, ranchers and rural communities which has been evident through the votes he has taken during the 116th Congress,” said Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap. “From supporting agriculture through financial and emotional challenges, to being a vocal champion on trade, he understands and recognizes the importance of agriculture to all of Minnesota and we look forward to continuing to work with him on issues impacting rural Minnesota.”
“The American Farm Bureau Federation gives the Friend of Farm Bureau award to members of Congress who have supported Farm Bureau’s position on policy issues, as demonstrated by their voting records, and who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the AFBF Board of Directors,” stated American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President of Public Affairs Paul Schlegel.
Emmer is a former member of the House Agriculture Committee. He authored the Stemming the Tide of Rural Economic Stress and Suicide (STRESS) Act which provides farmers with additional mental health resources. This effort has resulted in millions of dollars issued for programs to address rural mental health access. He also introduced legislation to expand, improve, and expedite this program due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Emmer also introduced legislation that proposes a modification to the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program to allow newer dairy operations to have access to this important risk management program.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, Emmer supported funding for the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program to support direct payments to farmers who suffered immense losses due to the disruption in the supply chain caused by the outbreak. He sent letters to the Administration advocating for the inclusion of pork and turkey producers, as well as improvements to the program to maximize its impact.
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