As lawmakers in Washington negotiate a new Farm Bill, Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio called for a bill that provides a safety net for both farmers and people in need.

During a recent media conference call the Ohio Democrat and two guests — Jack Fisher, executive vice president of the Ohio Farm Bureau, and Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks — urged Congress pass a Farm Bill to protect farmers and help those in need.

Data provided by Brown’s office showed that Portage County has invested $574,982 in rural development.