Rep. Glenn Thompson: Waterford's Bob Brace long championed cause of landowners and farmers
It would be hard to find a better environmentalist or steward of our land than a farmer. Every farmer cares about land, maintaining the soil, maintaining clean water, and having a place to peacefully raise their family. It's part of the farmer's identity, and their way of life. Across Pennsylvania, there are nearly 53,000 farms, including almost 2,200 combined in Erie and Crawford Counties. Robert "Bob" Brace was one of these farmers.
If farmers are the heart of American conservation, then, we ask, why are federal and state governments so intent on regulating farmers out of business?
For decades, this is a cause Bob Brace embraced. Bob was known throughout Erie County as a stalwart supporter of farmers and property rights. He was the owner of Robert Brace Farms in Waterford and a relentless advocate for landowners. He crusaded against excess government that burdened and strained those who work every day and night to provide food and fiber to American families.
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Unfortunately, Erie County lost Bob Brace this week after he passed away from complications due to a vehicle accident. Bob was passionate about these issues and would be quick to let you know. "These are fundamental rights," he would often say, "and America can't function without the guarantee of personal liberty. The government has no business deciding my life or yours, or controlling my land."
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In support of Bob's principled defense of farmers and private property rights, H.R. 5799 the Bridging Responsible Agricultural Conservation Efforts, or BRACE Act, was introduced in the 116th Congress.
Just prior to Bob's passing the Supreme Court finally ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency overreached in its attempt to regulate some "Waters of the United States'' (WOTUS) rule affirming Bob Brace was spot on with his decades long work. Even with this decision, however, regulations from the EPA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and others have farmers feeling pinched on all sides.
The ability to grow food for Americans, by Americans, has helped our nation survive tough moments. As this Administration, in our view, casts doubt on our economy, we should lean on our farmers to continue as our trusted suppliers. Our national security and independence starts on our farms. Our nation has shown resilience and strength that supports our economy and foreign policy, through our farmers and domestic agriculture.
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"America needs its farmers," Bob Brace would often say. "The government can't continue to push farmers out of business and expect our country to prosper."
And Bob was right. While the United States is blessed with an abundance of land suitable for farming, it requires dedicated, hardworking individuals. Even then, many farms have succumbed to growing prices and increased regulations. In 2008, there were over 63,000 farms across Pennsylvania, meaning that nearly 10,000 farms have disappeared in the last 15 years — including around 800 farms in Erie and Crawford Counties.
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Our farmers are essential. Farming helped build America, dating back to its inception. As Americans, we should be thankful that whether it’s dairy products from Centre County or cabbage and potatoes from Erie County — our farmers are the best.
While we mourn Bob's passing and celebrate a life well lived, it would be fitting to "brace" ourselves to continue defending the hardworking farm families that meet our most essential needs.
Thank you, Bob, for being a champion for our nation's #1 industry — agriculture!
Darrell Owens is from Waterford and is the former national security advisor to former Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey. He is also an officer in the US Army Reserve. Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson, of Centre County, represents Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. He is dean of the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation, and the chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Glenn GT Thompson praises Robert Brace, a champion for landowners
