Grown in America Act

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Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1558, which expresses the sense of Congress that our Nation's farmers use the American flag to promote fruits, vegetables, and commodities produced in the United States.

In the early 20th century, about 40 percent of Americans were engaged in agricultural production. Today, that number is down to 1.75 percent. Our Nation's farmers and ranchers provide Americans the safest, most affordable, and most abundant food supply in the history of the world. Our bounty of sustainable and nutritious food is so great that we also feed countless millions around the world.

America's farmers and ranchers endure uncertain weather, regulatory burdens, and animal and plant disease and pest threats in order to participate in a highly competitive global market. This resolution encourages them to stand tall for what they provide for us every day.

When passage of the 2008 farm bill closed the long-running debate on mandatory country-of-origin labeling for fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry, there remained considerable concern among opponents that we should not impose labeling on our producers. The reasoning held that origin labeling is an element of marketing and should be left to the producers, processors, packers, and retailers that bring America's food to our tables. Proponents of labeling argued that affixing country-of-origin labeling would enhance value and benefit farmers and ranchers.

Mr. Speaker, no matter what position an individual has taken on the question of country-of-origin labeling, it is easy to support this resolution. House Resolution 1558 simply asserts that the American flag is such a positive attribute that farmers are encouraged to use this symbol to promote the products they grow here at home in America.

Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution because it encourages our farmers and ranchers to act in what we believe to be their own self interest, while refraining from additional regulatory requirements or burdens.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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