- Farm groups push for new farm bill
- Significant water and sustainability issues at stake
- Diverse coalition from across the country demands action
July 31, 2024 — The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and over 500 diverse groups are pressing Congress to pass a new farm bill, highlighting the growing frustration over delays. The current farm bill, enacted in 2018, is outdated and fails to address today’s pressing challenges, including water issues crucial to agriculture.
Urgent Call for a Modernized Farm Bill.
In a unified letter to Congress, representatives from agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and environmental sectors emphasized the farm bill’s critical role in producing food, fiber, and fuel, and supporting sustainable solutions for clean air and water. The letter stated, “Millions of Americans rely daily on the provisions of the farm bill… to voluntarily conserve fish and wildlife and their habitat; to provide sustainable solutions for clean air and water.”
AFBF President Zippy Duvall stressed the urgency
Impacts of Relying on an Outdated Bill.
A recent analysis by AFBF economists highlighted significant risks if Congress fails to pass a new farm bill. The outdated 2018 bill could lead to a weakened farmer safety net, reduced funding for sustainability, and erosion of U.S. leadership in agricultural research. Duvall warned
The analysis revealed the urgent need to modernize reference prices, essential for compensating farmers during market downturns. Despite some adjustments, current prices lag behind production costs, emphasizing the necessity for updated legislation.
Diverse Coalition Demands Action.
The coalition urging Congress to act includes signatories from across the country
In their letter
The message is clear: passing a new, modernized farm bill is essential not only for addressing current agricultural and environmental challenges but also for ensuring a sustainable future for America’s farmers and families.
Hell, do both ~
The loss of 140,000 family farms in just five years is despicable. I truly hope something is done right away.