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Agricultural organizations and farmers are urging bipartisan support for a new farm bill tied up in Congress as the September expiration date looms.

After Congress issued a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill late last year, some progress has been made toward a new farm bill. But intense negotiations continue around the comprehensive legislation that sets policy for an array of vital programs that ensure the security of the nation’s agriculture sector and food supply.

Earlier this spring, the U.S. House of Representatives’ version of the farm bill passed out of the House Agriculture Committee after a 13-hour markup session. The bill is awaiting a floor vote. More recently, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and ranking member Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., both released their outlines for the new legislation.

“This is encouraging progress in the Senate, but there is much work to be done,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “There are stark differences between the two outlines, and we urge chairwoman Stabenow and ranking member Boozman to find common ground on the important issues that farmers and ranchers face.”

NEED FOR A NEW BILL

After the pandemic and resulting economic turmoil of the past few years, farmers are grappling with inflation, increased supply costs and volatile markets. A modernized farm bill that improves and expands crop insurance, subsidies and investments in crop programs can address the new economic environment and help farmers weather challenges.

“We urge the Senate Agriculture Committee to use these outlines to draft a bipartisan farm bill that updates the farm safety net and makes crop insurance more accessible, and to schedule a committee markup soon,” Duvall continued. “The farm bill benefits every family in America. They’re relying on Congress to get the job done.”

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation also is urging passage of the farm bill. “The future of American farming depends on investment in the next generation, and support for existing operations through vital farm bill programs,” said Ben Rowe, VFBF national affairs coordinator. “We urge Congress to take action to support farmers across the country by passing a bipartisan farm bill this year. Farmers cannot afford continued delays by Congress.”

YOUNG FARMERS TESTIFY

Earlier this month, young farmers testified in Congress before the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management and Trade to emphasize the importance of passing an updated farm bill.

Their testimony outlined unique challenges young and beginning farmers face and how the farm bill ensures success of future generations. The legislation includes tools and resources to help these farmers get established in agriculture — including access to affordable credit and risk management programs like Dairy Margin Coverage.

Additionally, the farm bill includes funding and support for conservation programs and sustainable farming practices. The farm bill also encompasses nutrition programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which ensures healthy food access for low-income families.