Hawkeye Reporter

Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa questioned Glen Smith, a nominee for Under Secretary for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), during a recent hearing. Grassley, who is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and has experience as a family farmer, addressed several topics important to rural communities in Iowa.

Grassley emphasized the importance of maintaining rural values in Washington. "I’m glad your roots are deep in rural America because you’ve been in this town long enough to know that this city is an island surrounded by reality. And, I’m glad to have some of your common sense, been here for a few years," he said.

He also raised questions about how Smith would use his experience from the Farm Credit Administration to improve USDA loan functions. "You have spoken a little bit about your work on the farm credit system. I know you know the importance of federal loan programs, and I think of rural hospitals as an example in this area. But I’m not asking you just about rural hospitals," Grassley stated. "How will you use your experience at the Farm Credit Administration to improve loan functions at the USDA?"

Support for ethanol and biofuels was another key topic discussed by Grassley, noting Iowa's significant role in biofuel production with over 40 ethanol plants across the state. "So, you have an ethanol plant in your backyard. I do as well. Iowa is home to [more than] 40 of these plants. We’re a national leader in biofuels," he said.

"Ethanol demand increases corn demand, supporting farmers. Do you agree that supporting ethanol — now, I know you can’t make decisions in this area. It’s mostly in the [jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency]. But you can sure be an advocate," Grassley continued. "Do you agree that supporting ethanol and other biofuels in turn supports rural communities and that we should expand domestic production, use and export markets for ethanol?"

Grassley encouraged proactive advocacy for biofuels within government circles: "...[S]peaking up for rural development is very important ... don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Seek them out." He added that understanding biofuels remains limited among many policymakers: "This town is kind of ignorant about biofuels and ethanol. Maybe people in this room aren’t, because this is an Agricultural Committee room. But, just remember that, when you hear people pronounce ethanol “ee-thanol,” you’re talking to somebody that doesn’t know much about the program."

The senator also highlighted programs vital for economic growth in rural areas such as Iowa’s Rural Electric Cooperatives through initiatives like the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDLG). "The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDLG) ... is a critical tool for Iowa’s Rural Electric Cooperatives. These loans and grants drive economic growth in rural communities that would otherwise not have access to financing for improvements and new projects," he said.

Grassley asked if Smith would collaborate with his office and appropriators on supporting Renewable Energy Credits through REDLG and similar efforts: "Will you work with my office and appropriators to ensure the [Renewable Energy Credits] are supported through the REDLG program, [Rural Energy For America Program] and similar programs?"