Committee backs reorganization bill to fold farm safety, rural health and ag economic development into department structure

House Bill 370, a reorganization measure intended to consolidate and prioritize farm safety, rural health and agricultural economic development inside the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, passed the House Agriculture Committee with a favorable recommendation.

Representative J.T. Payne, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the measure “allows the Division of Farm Safety and Rural Health within the Office of Ag Marketing” and “allows for the implementation of the office of ag economic development.” Payne said the change is intended to improve departmental efficiency and sustain programs such as the department’s Food Is Medicine campaign, farmer mental-health and…