(N. Kansas City) - U.S. Congressman Sam Graves has received the endorsement of the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Corn Growers Association and 200 local farmers from all 26 counties in the 6th Congressional District.

“We are proud to endorse Sam Graves because he has been a leader for Missouri agriculture,” said Mike Geske, president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association and farmer from Matthews, Mo. “Sam knows that the high costs of inputs are hurting our family farmers because he is a family farmer himself. He has pushed for investment in alternative fuels, expanded markets for Missouri agricultural products, and opposed excessive government regulations that could harm the basic foundation of our communities.”

As one of a handful of farmers serving in Congress, and as the only Missourian on the Agriculture Committee, Sam Graves is in a unique position to fight for Missouri’s farmers and ranchers in Congress.

“As a farmer himself, Sam understands agriculture,” said Vern Hart, Chairman of the Farm Bureau’s regional FARM-PAC. “In fact, he is the only member of Missouri’s congressional delegation that serves on the House Agriculture Committee. He supported the farm bill and is a strong proponent of renewable fuels, expanding agricultural markets, and cutting burdensome regulations for farmers. Sam deserves our support.”

Graves was a leader in the writing and final passage of the Farm Bill working to include common sense provisions that promote agriculture. Graves authored the amendment to the bill that permanently bans anyone convicted of defrauding USDA programs from being eligible again. The Farm Bill also included new flexibility for farmers, increased investment in bio-fuels, and increased the reach of broadband into rural areas.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy here in northwest Missouri,” said Graves. “There are 65,000 agriculture jobs here in 6th Congressional District. I will continue to fight for our farmers and ranchers, so they can continue to provide the safest and most abundant food supply in the world.”

Graves has also been endorsed by 200 6th district farmers and ranchers in all 26 counties.