By JIM MACY
EPA Region 7 Administrator
LENEXA – During my time as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 7 administrator, I have visited every state under my jurisdiction to deliver the message that agriculture has a seat at the table. The Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC) is where that message is actualized.
For nearly 20 years, the FRRCC has reserved agriculture’s proverbial seat at the EPA table through independent policy advice, information, and guidance provided to the Administrator. This committee remains the best way to have agriculture’s voice heard at the agency.
The FRRCC offers advice and recommendations that detail the realities of agriculture and rural life. It’s where past committees have outlined the cost of compliance, permitting delays, and stories on the unintended consequences of regulation on everyday farmers.
In July, Administrator Lee Zeldin appointed 21 new members to the FRRCC. These members will work in partnership with our agency over the next two years to develop common-sense solutions that build more resilient communities while protecting the environment.
Each iteration of the committee is assigned charge topics to provide new outlooks and recommendations to the administrator. These members will focus on incorporating artificial intelligence and precision agriculture for more careful pesticide application; and balancing conservation, nutrient pollution reduction, and long-term farm viability.
I’d like to welcome the 2026-2027 appointed FRRCC members that hail from Region 7:
Stuart Swanson, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Galt, Iowa
Stuart is a third-generation corn, soybean and pork farmer from Galt, Iowa. He is currently the chairman of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and a former committee member for the National Corn Growers Association.
“I am honored to serve on EPA's Farm Ranch and Rural Communities Committee for the next two years,” said Swanson. “The input provided from our committee will be valuable to addressing programs and policies related to nutrient management, pesticide use, and water quality. I'm proud to represent the views of corn farmers and communities in my state and am excited to work with the other members from across the country.”
Chris Tanner, Tanner Farms, Norton, Kansas
Chris is the owner of Tanner Farms in Norton, Kansas, and currently serves as the vice president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. He has previously held roles on the National Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Farm Bureau.
“I’m looking forward to serving on the Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee and bringing a farmer’s perspective to the conversations that shape EPA policies affecting agriculture,” said Tanner. “It’s important that the EPA Administrator hears directly from producers who understand both the challenges of farming and the responsibility we have to care for our land and natural resources. I appreciate the opportunity to represent Kansas agriculture and help ensure farmers have a voice in these important discussions.”
We look forward to working with both Stuart and Chris as they provide instrumental input toward developing practical solutions that work for farm country and the environment.