The American Farm Bureau Federation says that it and more than 500 organizations representing agriculture, nutrition, conservation, the environment, rural development and more sent a letter to congressional leaders to call for the passage of a new, modernized farm bill.
The organizations sent the letter to leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture committees and ranking members of both chambers, according to a news release.
“If Congress does not come together this year to enact a bipartisan farm bill, the legislative process will begin anew in the 119th Congress,” the groups wrote. “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. As committed stakeholders and beneficiaries of the farm bill, we cannot continue to wait for updated policies, provisions, initiatives and critical funding that support our collective interests.”
In the release, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said the power of 500 groups, often with competing agendas, highlights the urgency of the passing of a new farm bill.
“We’ve experienced a pandemic, record-high inflation, global unrest and supply chain issues since the current farm bill passed,” he said. “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.”
