April 28, 2016
Extension director to testify before Congress on effects of lower farm income
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Purdue Extension Director Jason Henderson will testify today (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 will include how federally funded Purdue Extension programs benefit the public. He will explain, 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.
The subcommittee’s hearing at 2 p.m. will be web-streamed live. The webcast can be accessed on the Agriculture Committee's website at http://agriculture.house.gov/. Click on the "Watch Live Hearings" link at the bottom of the page.
