Crown Point, Indiana – U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan brought together agricultural leaders from across Northwest Indiana this week, formally launching his Agriculture Advisory Council with its first meeting in Crown Point. The new council is designed to give local farmers and agricultural organizations a direct line to Washington as they navigate rising costs, changing regulations, and long-term challenges affecting the region’s agricultural economy.
The inaugural meeting marked the start of what Mrvan’s office described as an ongoing effort to strengthen communication between federal lawmakers and the agricultural community in Indiana’s First Congressional District. The council is expected to meet twice a year, providing a structured forum for farmers and industry leaders to share concerns, highlight emerging issues, and help shape the congressman’s legislative priorities.
The Agriculture Advisory Council brings together a broad range of voices from across the district, reflecting the diversity of agriculture in Northwest Indiana. Participants include local farmers as well as representatives from major commodity and advocacy groups, such as the Indiana Beef Cattle Association, Indiana Corn Growers Association, Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Pork, and the Indiana Soybean Alliance. County-level organizations, including farm bureaus, Purdue Extension offices, and soil and water conservation districts from Lake, LaPorte, and Porter counties, are also represented.
By convening these stakeholders in one setting, Mrvan aims to ensure that federal policy discussions are grounded in the realities facing farmers on the ground. Council members discussed the operational, economic, and environmental pressures affecting agricultural businesses, as well as the broader impact of those challenges on rural communities and local food systems.
Congressman Mrvan emphasized the importance of agriculture not only to the regional economy, but to national stability as well. “Thank you to all of the participants for sharing your time and expertise on this Agriculture Advisory Committee. I believe protecting and advancing the farmer in Northwest Indiana and America is a national security issue. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I welcome this opportunity to listen and incorporate the council’s feedback in my federal policy efforts on issues related to agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Farm Bill.”
The timing of the council’s launch comes as Congress continues to debate agricultural funding, conservation programs, and the future of the Farm Bill. Mrvan’s role on the House Appropriations Committee places him in a key position to influence federal investments related to farming, rural development, and food security. Council members are expected to provide input on how federal programs are working at the local level and where changes may be needed.
Local leaders attending the meeting said the advisory council offers an important opportunity to elevate the voices of Northwest Indiana farmers, whose needs can differ from those in more rural parts of the state. With increasing pressure from development, land use changes, and market volatility, participants stressed the importance of policies that support both small and large agricultural operations.
Mrvan’s office said the Agriculture Advisory Council will serve as an ongoing resource as the congressman works on legislation tied to agriculture, conservation, and rural investment. By maintaining regular dialogue with farmers and agricultural organizations, the council aims to ensure that policies crafted in Washington reflect the practical realities of farming in Indiana’s First Congressional District.
