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Sunday, April 03, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - State takes steps to help farmers
"State takes steps to help farmers" is the headline to an opinion piece today in the Bedford Times-Mail. Some quotes:
State government took two steps this week that could make life better for Hoosier farmers.On Thursday, the Indiana Senate passed a bill creating an Indiana Department of Agriculture. And on Friday, Gov. Mitch Daniels signed a new law that would boost the use of agriculture-based fuels, like ethanol.
It is far too early to tell if either measure will reach its full promise. But it is encouraging to see the state trying to make the most of Indiana's strong agricultural resources.
The department of agriculture idea is not new. In fact, Indiana trails several other states in pulling the agriculture-related efforts under one umbrella. It is important to note this is not an expansion of government, but a more logical and effective use of what is already in place. * * *
House Bill 1008 would create a department of agriculture and a separate office of rural affairs. Skillman will hold the position of secretary of agriculture and rural development. Andy Miller, the current assistant commissioner of agriculture, will act as the state's first director of agriculture. During the next several months, the structure and function of both agencies will be determined. The administration plans a great unveiling — appropriately enough —at the Indiana State Fair this August.If done well, the department of agriculture and the office of rural affairs could put a new focus on economic development in Indiana's hard-hit rural areas.
Among the ideas, of course, is finding new markets for Indiana's farm products. And one of those markets could soon be put to use through the alternative fuel plan.
The bill signed by Daniels [HB 1032] stipulates that state government must run its vehicles on agriculture-based fuels such as biodiesel, ethanol or gasohol whenever possible.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on April 3, 2005 04:00 PM
Posted to Indiana economic development