The chairman of the House Agriculture Committee discussed government over-regulation and prospects for the 2012 Farm Bill during the general session at Commodity Classic 2011.

U.S. Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK) first expressed concern about the over reach of government agencies, especially the EPA. “The Environmental Protection Agency’s assault on production agriculture must stop,” he said, noting that his committee is scheduled to hold hearings in which EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson will answer questions on the agency’s basis for such decisions as limiting rural dust and continually questioning the safety of proven chemicals such as atrazine.

Lucas questioned the current administration’s USDA policies that favor “niche” markets “that should not become the dominant focus of departmental activities.”

Lucas says the 2012 farm bill will be the third on which he has worked, but half of his committee are new. “This (farm bill) is shaping up to be a doozy,” he said.

Listen to or download Lucas’ address here: 2011 Commodity Classic Lucas Address

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