From staff reports American Farm Bureau Federation and more than 500 other groups representing agriculture, nutrition, conservation, the environment, rural development and other sectors sent a joint letter to congressional leaders July 22 calling for the passage of a new, modernized Farm Bill. The letter was sent to House and Senate leaders as well as their respective agricultural committees.
The groups collectively stated, “Millions of Americans rely daily on the provisions of the Farm Bill to produce food, fiber and fuel; to feed their families and others around the world; to voluntarily conserve fish and wildlife and their habitat; to provide sustainable solutions for clean air and water; to provide a producer safety net; to facilitate in ternational trade; to create local jobs and robust economies; and to support rural development nationwide.”
An omnibus, multiyear law that governs an array of agricultural and food programs, the Farm Bill provides an opportunity for policymakers to comprehensively and periodically address agricultural and food issues, Congressional Research Service states.
These groups recognize that time is running out to pass a Farm Bill this year. Passing a stopgap extension would risk further delay following the presidential election, seating of a new Congress and other legislative priorities.
Regarding the legislation, AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “When more than 500 groups – many of which typically have competing agendas – come together and speak with one voice, it clearly demonstrates the urgency and importance of passing a new Farm Bill. We’ve experienced a pandemic, record-high inflation, global unrest and supply-chain issues since the current Farm Bill passed. It’s time lawmakers work in a bipartisan manner and agree on a new Farm Bill that addresses challenges and looks to the future to ensure America’s families continue to have access to the saf est, most affordable food, fiber and fuel in the world.”