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4-H members testify at House Ag Committee

A group of 4-H members testified at a House Ag Committee hearing this week to address how they’re working to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities.

Shelby Nierman, a 4-H delegate from Brownstown, Indiana spoke about the importance of connecting urban and rural consumers through 4-H.  “Programs such as 4-H are essential in bridging the gap between rural and urban areas.”  Nierman says, “To bridge the gap between rural and urban perspectives of agriculture, producers and consumers can find a common interest through the 4-H program.”

Working to educate consumers about modern agriculture, Darby Schmidt, a delegate from Charles County, Missouri says young consumers also needs to be reached. “To improve the future of agriculture, we must educate our youth consumers.”  She says, “Everyone eats so it is important for everyone to learn about where their food comes from.”

The House Ag Committee hopes to create an urban-rural coalition to garner support for agricultural programs like the Farm Bill in the future.

4-H delegates from Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota were also part of the delegation.

The full committee hearing can be found here.