Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, along with U.S. Senator John Boozman, recently hosted a roundtable discussion in Morgantown, West Virginia, to discuss the state's agriculture priorities. The roundtable, which focused on the upcoming Farm Bill, brought together various stakeholders from different agricultural fields, including farming, nutrition, education, forestry, veterinarian services, credit unions, and internet service providers.

Senator Boozman, who is one of the primary authors of the upcoming Farm Bill, has been holding similar roundtable discussions around the country. This particular discussion in West Virginia marked the first event since the Farm Bill extension was announced. During the discussion, the senators were joined by West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt.

The importance of agriculture to West Virginia's economy was highlighted during the roundtable. Senator Capito emphasized that "West Virginia agriculture generates $24 billion in economic output and supports over 176,000 jobs." She further stated, "This proves just how vital agriculture operations are to the success of our communities and why I continue to advocate on behalf of the inclusion of our state's priorities in the upcoming Farm Bill."

The senators and Commissioner Leonhardt also visited Mountaintop Beverage in Morgantown, where they toured the facility and met with company leaders. Mountaintop Beverage is known for its high-tech thermal heating process, which is used to commercially sterilize beverages and extend their shelf life. The company aims to strengthen the dairy infrastructure in West Virginia, create jobs, and provide local dairy products to children and families across the state.

Senator Boozman expressed his appreciation for Senator Capito's efforts in hosting the roundtable, stating, "My commitment to listening to stakeholders carries forward as well. Senator Capito graciously offered to host the first listening session of 2024, and I appreciate her efforts to bring together West Virginia's producers, agri-business operators, rural community leaders, and nutrition advocates to visit with us."

West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt also highlighted the importance of the Farm Bill, stating, "The Farm Bill provides programs that are vital to the success and continuity of our farming operations and the health of our citizens. We appreciate the opportunity to add to this discussion of Farm Bill priorities."

The roundtable discussion and the visit to Mountaintop Beverage provided valuable insights and perspectives that will inform the senators' efforts to pass a new Farm Bill that will help grow West Virginia's agriculture industry and its rural communities.

Photos from the event can be found below:

- U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and John Boozman hosting the Farm Bill Roundtable discussion in Morgantown, West Virginia.

- U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and John Boozman, along with West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt, touring Mountaintop Beverage in Morgantown, West Virginia.

With the input received from the roundtable discussion and the visit to Mountaintop Beverage, Senator Capito and Senator Boozman are now better equipped to advocate for West Virginia's agriculture priorities in Washington.