More than 500 organizations representing agriculture, nutrition, conservation, the environment, rural development and other sectors are urging Congressional lawmakers to find a way to pass a modernized farm bill this year.
The groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), sent a letter to leaders in both chambers and leaders of the U.S. House and Senate Agriculture committees.
“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 international trade; to create local jobs and robust economies; and to support rural development nationwide,” the groups wrote.
The groups recognize that time is running out to craft and pass a farm bill this year.
Passing a stopgap extension of this critical piece of legislation would put it at risk of further delay following the presidential election, the seating of a new Congress and other legislative priorities.
“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,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “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 safest, most affordable food, fiber and fuel in the world.”
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