Extension director testifies before Congress on effects of lower farm income
May 4, 2016
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Purdue Extension Director Jason Henderson testified April 28 before a congressional subcommittee on how lower farm commodity prices not only reduce farm incomes but also strain rural economies, potentially increasing poverty rates, while not leading to lower consumer food prices.
Henderson's testimony before the U.S House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Nutrition included how federally funded Purdue Extension programs benefit the public. He explained, for instance, that the government's Nutrition Education Program, administered by Purdue Extension, has reduced food insecurity by 25 percent for participating low-income households, who learn how to stretch their food dollar and eat healthier foods on a limited budget. They also learn the health benefits of the different food groups and how to understand food safety practices and how to conserve limited food resources.
Archived video of the testimony can be viewed here.
