By Sonam Rustagi
Last semester, I had the privilege to work on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, with the majority leadership. This internship allowed me to better understand the legislative underpinnings of agricultural policy, and better understand the process of creating a Farm Bill.
I spent my time mostly working with the Title II Conservation team and the Title XI Crop Insurance team. The day-to-day of interning with the committee involved attending meetings with internal and external stakeholders, attending briefings and hearings, and creating memos and short reports.
One of my favorite duties was assisting in meetings with stakeholders, which included farmers, industry leaders, and environmental advocacy groups. These meetings provided a platform for open dialogue and collaboration, where I learned firsthand about the diverse perspectives and interests that influence agricultural policy. Preparing summaries and memos of Congressional hearings and briefings was another essential part of my role. This task honed my ability to distill complex information into clear and concise reports, ensuring that the committee members were well-informed on key issues.
I also enjoyed being in the Capitol Hill environment! It was really exciting to see Senators, Representatives, media persons, and other notable personalities out and about in the Senate buildings.
Through these experiences, I developed a deeper appreciation for the complexity of agricultural policy and the importance of finding balanced solutions that address the needs of all stakeholders. I am excited to apply this experience to inform my future work and make a meaningful impact in the field. This internship has equipped me with valuable skills and insights that I will carry forward in my graduate education. I am so thankful to the Lal Carbon cCenter and Dr. Lal for helping facilitate this experience for me.