A Wisconsin Congressman is helping to lead the way with Farm Bill Reform legislation. US Representative Ron Kind (D-WI) is the lead sponsor of legislation that provides a number of incentives in the re-authorization of the 2007 Farm Bill.
Among the areas targeted in the proposal is an additional $2 billion in loan guarantees for renewable energy development. Kind says it's a significant part of the overall equation for the country. He especially wants to encourage the bio-fuels area.
The Wisconsin Democrat says there's also a focus on land conservation. Kind says valuable lands need to be protected, so sensitive areas aren't forced in to production to meet rising crop demands.
The Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act would also create programs to help sell locally grown food. Kind points to studies that found people eat healthier when they consumer locally grown produce.
Kind says past Farm Bills have helped large farms, while this act is aimed at helping smaller operations.