Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman(R-AR) last week unveiled a “farm bill 2.0” discussion draft with the intent of encouraging input from Senators both off and on the committee in the hope of producing a comprehensive bill with wide support that can be quickly passed before summer recess begins.
What’s not included in the text are the most controversial issues that bogged down the House when it crafted its version of a farm bill last spring. At the top of the list – also not addressed in the House bill – are upcoming costs certain states must start paying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Boozman said talks with Democrats on nutrition policy are ongoing, though he declined to provide details. How the partisan disagreement plays out in the farm bill negotiations or in a possible conference with the House could determine whether five-year ag legislation is passed this year.
Also not included in the draft is how to address full year use of E15 fuel blends and additional farm aid. These two issues are still under discussion, including input from the Trump Administration, and are likely to be addressed in separate legislation.
For programs of interest to LICA members the discussion draft would:
Streamline and strengthen conservation programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and the Watershed Programs.
Create two new broadly popular initiatives: the Forest Conservation Easement Program and the State Conservation Assistance Program.
Fine-tuning the Conservation Reserve Program to improve grazing options, including during drought. Boost financing, technical assistance, water quality testing and filtration to improve access to safe and reliable drinking water for rural residents.
The legislation would reauthorize certain ag programs through 2031 and build on provisions enacted through last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Republican members of the committee are pitching the draft as an effort to update federal initiatives focused on giving producers more certainty while expanding support for rural communities, agricultural trade and national food security.