133 



as a farm-based agriculture and economic democracy. We share in 

 the responsibility to reclaim the direction of our farm and food 

 policy. As family farmers, we have lost a lot over the past 

 decade. Our farm-based rural communities have been de-populated 

 directly threatening their future. If this trend is not reversed, 

 the entire country will be paying the price and the social costs of 

 these shifts. 



I can tell you personally and representing family farmers in rural 

 communities across the country, there is once again a glimmer of 

 optimism with the arrival of a new Administration. This optimism 

 must be translated into real changes and a commitment towards 

 rebuilding our chances for economic survival. 



We look forward to working with the Committee both in D.C. and 

 around the country to forge a common-sense, workable approach to 

 solving our current problems and creating new policies and programs 

 that will restore prosperity to farmers, therefore an economic 

 recovery for us all. Thank you for this opportunity to present our 

 concerns. I will be glad to answer any guestions. 



(Attachment follows:) 



