More than 500 groups, including Illinois Farm Bureau, signed onto a letter to congressional leaders calling for passage of a new, modernized farm bill.
“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 to leaders in both chambers and leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture committees.
"If Congress does not come together this year to enact a bipartisan farm bill, the legislative process will begin anew in the 119th Congress. Given the significant legislative, and possibly administrative, duties of a new Congress including the seating of new leadership and committees, Senate nominations, and other essential actions during the first months of the 119th Congress, we have concerns that it may not be logistically or politically feasible to advance a new farm bill early in the next Congress."
The groups represent agriculture, nutrition, conservation, the environment, rural development and several other sectors.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, 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," said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. "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.”
Read the full letter here.
Content for this story was provided by FarmWeekNow.com.