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So far, I have listed my concerns as they affect producers of both crops and livestock, and <br />agriculture input dealers, but I also want to note my concern for the future of value -added <br />production in the state. We have been, and will continue, to push for economic development in <br />Nebraska based around taking our raw agricultural products and adding value through <br />processing. This helps keep more of these agricultural dollars close to home, helping to fuel our <br />rural economies. But, these types of facilities often require great quantities of water. We don't <br />want to shut the door on these opportunities, so we need to keep the value -added initiative in <br />mind as we continue work on the Cooperative Agreement. <br />My point in all of this is that Nebraska's agriculture producers have a great deal at stake <br />in the development of the Cooperative Agreement and the designation of proposed critical habitat <br />for the piping plover. But, they aren't the only ones. The costs and consequences of both issues, <br />while affecting every single farming and ranching operation in this state, will also impact the <br />economies that depend on them. Agriculture must continue to have a seat at the table in any <br />discussions on each of these matters. <br />-2- <br />