EPA‘s New Advisory Committee: A Comedy of Agriculture and Environment
Well, well, well—grab your spades and your sense of humor because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just announced who’s in charge of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC). It’s practically a family reunion for agronomists, environmentalists, and apparently quite a few folks who simply love corn (and you thought you had eclectic friends!).
Meet the New Green Brigade
So, on November 13, 2024, amid all this delightful chaos, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan revealed 18 new members and reappointed 6 old-timers to the FRRCC. Just like that, 24 environmental warriors are set to tackle everything from climate change to the malnourished corn stalks of America—sort of like the Avengers, but with less leather and more sunscreen.
Chair and Vice-Chair: The Dynamic Duo
Dr. Beth Sauerhaft, representing the American Farmland Trust, has been re-elected as Chair, which suddenly makes her sound like the most popular person at a barn dance. Meanwhile, Mr. Michael Crowder of Ducks Unlimited is stepping in as Vice-Chair. Yes, that’s right—together, they’ll lead an ensemble cast where each member has the unique power of knowing far too much about soil and sustenance.
Mixing It Up with Diverse Perspectives
These fresh recruits are like a salad of backgrounds—colleges, states, and even crops. You’ve got folks from all corners of the country: from Illinois corn grower Megan Dwyer to Florida’s Katherine English, who probably knows more about oranges than anyone should. And let’s not overlook Jamaica Gayle from the Plant Based Products Council—because if there’s a group of people passionate about beans, it’s safe to assume they have some ‘a-peel-ing’ conversations!
The Power of Recommendations
The committee isn’t just there to sip lattes and nod while a cornfield grows. No, they’ve been hard at work throwing together a whopping 32 recommendations for Regan. These aim to address how the EPA can improve technical assistance for rural communities—or as I like to call it, “How To Make Sure Farmers Don’t Go Broke 101.”
Topics on the Table
From outreach about solar energy programs to a grand dream of building public-private partnerships that might actually work, the FRRCC is dedicated to making practical solutions happen. It’s like transitioning from a bad reality TV show to a good feel-good movie—tugging at the heartstrings while simultaneously making people laugh.
Where’s My Invite?
The nomination process, as riveting as it Sounds, began back in July 2024, with over 80 folks throwing their names into the ring. Just imagine them—suits and boots, all desperate to impress the EPA with their know-how on corn and climate alike. Spoiler alert: they were selected based on their expertise, making sure some bright ideas from rural America wouldn’t just wilt away in the sun.
What Comes Next?
Regan has promised to respond to this laundry list of recommendations soon—hopefully before the corn’s in full harvest! So buckle up, because if the last election cycle demonstrated anything, it’s that environmental policy can stir the pot just as much as a debate about ketchup on hotdogs. One thing’s for sure: the interplay of agriculture and ecology is bound to be more dramatic than your average soap opera.
Conclusion: A Toast to the Farmers!
There you have it, folks: the EPA’s latest cohort of earth savers. Here’s hoping they take a page out of a stand-up comic’s book and can navigate issues with humor and grace—because if there’s anything we need more of in agriculture, it’s a good laugh. After all, if you can’t make fun of the weather, what can you make fun of? Cheers to the new committee members, and may they bring a bountiful harvest of positive change!
(AGENPARL) – Wed November 13, 2024 Issued: Nov 13, 2024 (4:30pm EST)
If you wish to unsubscribe please do so
here:
Committee
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Michael S. Regan, today announced significant leadership changes by appointing 18 new members and reappointing 6 existing members to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC). This influential committee plays a critical role in providing independent policy advice and recommendations regarding environmental challenges that impact agriculture and rural environments nationwide.
Dr. Beth Sauerhaft of the American Farmland Trust has been reappointed as chair, while Mr. Michael Crowder from Ducks Unlimited will continue to serve as vice-chair. They will guide the FRRCC’s initiatives alongside the 13 continuing members whose terms are set to expire in November 2025.
“EPA remains committed to ensuring agricultural and rural communities are fully engaged as partners in our work to protect our environment and advance public health,” stated Administrator Regan. “The diverse perspectives of these new appointees, alongside our devoted returning members, will be instrumental in helping us navigate environmental challenges and deliver science-based, practical solutions that strengthen our nation’s food and agriculture systems for generations to come.”
The FRRCC has proven to be both productive and invaluable to the EPA. This year alone, the committee provided an additional series of 32 recommendations to Administrator Regan, focusing on enhancements to technical assistance for rural communities, outreach and education regarding solar energy programs supporting agriculture, and strategies for EPA to foster public-private partnerships and market-based approaches to promote the adoption of agricultural conservation practices. These recommendations reflect the important work the committee has accomplished in 2024, adhering to the directives set forth by Administrator Regan. He anticipates responding to these recommendations soon.
Beginning its selection process in July 2024, the EPA issued a call for nominations that resulted in over 80 applicants. This extensive selection process ensured that appointees were chosen from a highly qualified and diverse pool, representing all 10 EPA regions as well as 24 states, territories, and the District of Columbia. New members were selected based on their expertise in critical EPA priority areas, including climate change, sustainable agricultural practices, and the representation of various agricultural sectors and rural stakeholders across diverse geographies.
NEW MEMBERS
Megan Dwyer, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Bloomington, Illinois
Katherine English, English Family Farms, Fort Meyers, Florida
Maria Fernanda Abilgaard, AgroFresh, Fairfield, California
Jamaica Gayle, Plant Based Products Council, Washington D.C.
Dr. Russell Hamlin, Grimmway Farms, Bakersfield, California
James Henderson, Richfield Ranch Ag Ventures Inc., La Jara, Colorado
Joe Ben Herrera, Yakama Nation Environmental Management Program, Toppenish, Washington
Janie Simms Hipp, Native Agriculture Financial Services, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Erik Huschitt, Badger State Ethanol, Monroe, Wisconsin
Stephen Logan, Logan Farms, Giliam, Louisiana
Mark Masters, Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center at Albany State University, Albany, Georgia
Ty Myer, Spokane Conservation District, Spokane, Washington
Dr. Michelle Miller, Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
Megan Rock, CHS, Inc., Inner Grove Heights, Minnesota
Justin Sherlock, Justin Sherlock Farms, Dazey, North Dakota
Chris Tanner, Tanner Farms, Norton, Kansas
J. Alan Weber, Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
Kathryn Zerfuss, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
RETURNING MEMBERS
William (Bill) Couser, Couser Cattle Company, Nevada, Iowa
Matthew Freund, Freund’s Farm/Cowpots LLC, East Canaan, Connecticut
David Graybill, Red Sunset Farm, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania
William Thomas (Tom) McDonald, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, Dalhart, Texas
Dr. A.S. Graciela I. Ramirez-Toro, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, San Jose German, Puerto Rico
Jeff M. Witte, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, Las Cruces, New Mexico
EXISTING MEMBERS
Dr. Beth Sauerhaft, American Farmland Trust, Chappaqua, New York (Committee Chair)
Brad Bray, Bray Farms, Cameron, Missouri
Hon. Eddie Crandell, Lake County Supervisor and Board Delegate, California
Michael Crowder, Ducks Unlimited, West Richland, Washington (Committee Vice-Chair)
Jennifer James, H&J Land & Co. And Auvergne Grain Co., Newport, Arkansas
Sarah Lucas, Michigan Office of Rural Development, Marquette, Michigan
Clay Pope, Pope Hilltop Farm, Loyal, Oklahoma
Dr. James Pritchett, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
Dr. Nithya Rajan, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Dr. Raymond Shange, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama
Jennifer Simmelink, Kansas Soil Health Alliance, Esbon, Kansas
Dr. Chantel Simpson, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina
Ryan Smith, Danone North America, Chicago, Illinois
For more information about the committee, please visit the FRRCC website.
To unsubscribe or change your settings click here:
How is the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC) addressing environmental challenges in agriculture?
El Solutions, Boulder, Colorado
As the newly appointed members of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC) gear up to tackle diverse agricultural and environmental challenges, it’s clear their collective expertise will be crucial in shaping policies that promote sustainable farming practices and protect rural communities. With a roster featuring advocates from all walks of agricultural life – from corn growers to conservationists – the FRRCC is set to bring forth innovative solutions to pressing issues, including climate change adaptation, soil health, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr. Beth Sauerhaft and Mr. Michael Crowder’s leadership aims to harness these diverse perspectives, ensuring every voice is heard and every idea is considered, as they work collaboratively towards actionable recommendations. Together, they represent a commitment to integrated solutions that bridge the gap between environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity—a partnership that will be vital as communities navigate the complexities of modern agriculture amidst a changing climate.
The roadmap laid out for the FRRCC is ambitious, with 32 recommendations already on the table. These range from enhancing technical support for rural communities to advocating for better outreach on solar energy initiatives that could empower farmers. This synergy between environmental health and agricultural efficacy is essential for ensuring food security while contributing to the overall well-being of the planet.
As the FRRCC embarks on this journey, one can only hope that humor and creativity will complement their serious mission. The integration of relatable and engaging dialogue within the policies they promote could prove to be the key to galvanizing public interest and support for the initiatives they champion. After all, a dose of laughter may just make the weighty discussions about agriculture and ecology a little lighter—reminding us all that collaboration can be both effective and enjoyable.
the future looks promising as this dynamic group sets out to weave together the threads of agriculture and ecology, standing firmly as protectors of the land while fostering innovation. Here’s to their efforts—and to all the farmers who work tirelessly to feed America and beyond. Cheers!
