The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) on March 6 named Rep. Jim Baird (R-Ind.) and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) as its Legislators of the Year. The award is presented each year to lawmakers who ARA said have championed issues of importance to agriculture and agriculture suppliers.
Rep. Baird received this year’s award for his efforts to promote the Increased TSP Access Act of 2023 (HR 3036) and the Plant Biostimulant Act (HR 1472), said ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock, while Rep. Panetta was also awarded for sponsoring the Plant Biostimulant Act (HR 1472), which aims to establish a federal definition for plant biostimulants.
“Supporting American farmers means making sure they have access to affordable products and equipment to reduce their operating costs,” said Rep. Baird. “Since my first day in Congress, I’ve been committed to helping our farmers so they can continue doing what they do best – keep feeding our nation. I’m honored to be recognized with this award and will continue to be a relentless advocate for American agriculture.”
“Producers in California’s 19th Congressional District and across the country need access to the latest innovative tools in order to feed the world and better protect our environment,” said Rep. Panetta. “It’s an honor to receive the Legislator of the Year award from the ARA as we work to move forward impactful legislation, like my bipartisan Plant Biostimulant Act, to better encourage the adoption of these emerging agricultural products. I look forward to continuing to advance new technologies that will empower our farmers to usher in a new era of sustainable agriculture.”