U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) met with the leadership of the Hanover Co-op Food group and discussed the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill, which Congress is currently considering, and how the legislation can advance New Hampshire farmers’ and producers’ priorities.

Specifically, Kuster highlighted the important role that food co-ops play in our food system and how we can expand access to fresh, local groceries for rural communities in New Hampshire and across the country.

“Access to fresh, affordable, locally-grown food strengthens our economy and helps our communities thrive,” Kuster said. “But, in rural areas across New Hampshire, access is not always possible. That’s why food co-ops are so important.

“It was wonderful to meet with the leadership of the Hanover Co-Op Food Stores to discuss their operations, hear about their priorities, and tour their facility in Lebanon. I look forward to bringing the conversation we had today back to my colleagues in Congress as we work to finalize the 2023 Farm Bill.”

“Our meeting today showcases how connected Representative Kuster is to our local and regional food systems,” said Rebecca J. H. White of Hanover Co-op’s Public and Government Affairs Department.

“Her work shapes national farm bill programs that strengthen the many small, independent, and diverse food businesses that bolster our region toward an equitable and secure food future.”

White leads the Co-op’s local and national Farm Bill advocacy efforts.

Kuster, a former Member of the House Committee on Agriculture and a fierce advocate for New Hampshire farmers and producers, has introduced or co-sponsored the following bills:

The Veteran and Beginning Farmers Assistance Act would reauthorize the Applied Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) program in the next Farm Bill.

This reauthorization would specifically empower ATTRA to provide technical assistance to farmers regarding strategies to address climate change and extreme weather;

The Biomass Thermal Utilization Act would create a 30% renewable energy tax credit for biomass thermal units in residential and commercial properties;

The American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act would establish Food Supply Chain Resiliency Centers that would provide technical assistance to small and medium-sized producers with supply chain issues.