Yesterday the House Agriculture Committee began consideration of its proposed 5 year reauthorization of the farm bill. The bill faces a September deadline for consideration and has a long way to go for approval in a difficult political environment. Here is what leaders of some of the major ag organizations are saying about the House Committee proposal.
“AFBF appreciates the work of Chairman Thompson and the entire House Agriculture Committee for its work in drafting a new, modernized farm bill. America’s farmers and ranchers need the stability that the farm bill provides so they can withstand the unforeseen challenges of growing the food, fuel and fiber America’s families rely on. Conservation and research programs help farmers protect the resources they’ve been entrusted with and enable American agriculture to remain on the forefront of innovation. Nutrition programs also give a helping hand to families struggling to make ends meet. We look forward to taking a deep dive into the House farm bill draft in advance of next week’s markup. We hope to see the Senate Agriculture Committee’s version soon so we can move forward with getting the farm bill passed. It’s too important to wait. America’s families are counting on Congress to get this done,” said Zippy Duvall, President, American Farm Bureau Federation.
“NCSL supports the language of the SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act of 2023 (H.R. 5094), which, among other things, provides states with a permanent option to use contractors rather than relying on the uncertainty of the waiver process which is currently required by USDA guidance if a state wishes to use non-merit employees. The act makes clear that such an option may only be invoked to supplement, not supplant, the state’s workforce and only when a state is unable to timely process SNAP applications which may occur as a result of a pandemic, other health emergencies, seasonal workforce cycles, temporary staffing shortages and weather or other natural disasters,” said Tim Storey, CEO, National Conference of State Legislatures.
“We are very pleased with the Farm Bill framework released by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. Since 2023, Chairman Thompson has gone to great lengths to meet with America’s cattle producers in every region of the country and craft a Farm Bill that supports their unique needs. We are especially pleased by the Chairman’s focus on voluntary conservation programs that are increasingly popular with cattle producers, animal health provisions that protect the U.S. cattle herd, and investments in food security that support our broader national security,” said Ethan Lane, Vice President of Government Affairs, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
“As both committees continue their consideration of policies for the next farm bill, dairy exporters are eager to see a doubling of funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development program (FMD) to support further expansion of the sale of American-made dairy products around the world, to ensure that the bill establishes a robust new process for safeguarding common food and beverage names in international markets and to enhance USDA’s participation in the decision-making process regarding global food aid programs,” said Krysta Harden, President & CEO, U.S. Dairy Export Council.
“With more than $11.5 billion in deferred maintenance, our nation’s agricultural researchers, Cooperative Extension specialists, and educators have dealt with deteriorating facilities while ensuring exceptional innovation, outreach, and education. Investment in our agricultural research facilities will ensure our nation can continue to take on the local, regional, national, and global challenges. The inclusion of the Research Facilities Act is a critical first step to ensuring the U.S. remains the world’s most innovative, productive, and vibrant agricultural sector. As Congress moves the Farm Bill forward, we urge lawmakers to advance these critical investments,” said Mark Becker, President, Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities.