(Washington D.C) Iowa U.S. Senator Joni Ernst appearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday, questioned U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.
The Senator from Red Oak addressed fertilizer costs and how supply chain challenges impact the ag community.
Ernst asked Ag Secretary Vilsack what actions to lower input prices and ensure the supplies’ availability today and following the growing season.
Vilsack went on to say the Supply Disruption Task Force is working with a service transportation board to encourage the nation’s rail system to make necessary investments to provide a more resilient system.
Ernst described how many of her constituents have serious questions about the scope and impact of the 30×30 initiative. She discussed how one of her constituents spoke up at a town hall she held on her 99 County Tour who was concerned about the plan. Ernst asked Secretary Vilsack to commit to assuring Americans their lands would not be used to undermine private property rights or to lock up land.
Senator Ernst pointed to the sharp spike in input prices, plus the rise in inflation, causing food to cost Iowa consumers significantly more. Ernst noted an 11% increase in food costs since January 2021.
