Farm Bill
The Agriculture Department has begun talking with grocery retailers about their potential role in a proposal to replace some food-stamp allocations with prepackaged boxes of groceries.
The Republican version set for a House vote on Friday contains so many unpalatable provisions that lawmakers from both parties are racing to dramatically rework the $867 billion bill to keep it from going down in defeat.
House Republicans hope to debate and vote on the farm bill this week, but industry sources say it is uncertain whether the GOP has the votes to pass it.
Putting in danger the prospects for a bipartisan farm bill, a House Republican plan to amp up work requirements for recipients of food stamps has stalled progress just before a scheduled late March markup session.
Calling the legislation a big win for fresh produce interests, industry advocates celebrated the signing of the farm bill by President Trump Dec. 20.
The farm bill is in the hands of President Trump, following the Senate and House approval of the legislation, widely praised by groups representing fresh produce growers and marketers.
In preparation for farm bill 2023, the House Ag Committee met on Tuesday to grasp the highs and lows of the current farm bill and fill any gaps in 2023.
Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow, (D-Mich.) says there will be no new funding for the 2023 farm bill. However, Stabenow stressed she will not allow a cut in conservation funding.
House Ag Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson, along with other members, is seeking additional funding sources for the bill, but that will likely be the biggest farm bill hurdle that may trip up lawmakers.
Over 250 fresh produce industry advocates gathered to meet, learn and amplify industry influence on key issues in Washington, D.C.
The specialty crop alliance is endorsing two bills that it believes supports a competitive and strong future for the sector in both domestic and global marketplaces.
The International Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Conference kicked off on Sept. 12 and has gathered members to Capitol Hill to advocate for the policies and legislation critical to the produce industry.
Groups say the bill does not do enough for food workers and farmers.
Former deputy ag secretary Kathleen Merrigan highlights the top non-farm-bill issues that are currently impacting agriculture.
Representing the International Fresh Produce Association, where he is a board member and chair of the U.S. Government Relations Council, Bret Erickson is set to testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry on Feb. 26.
Rollins’ confirmation was expected, as the Senate maintains its quick pace of confirming President Trump’s key cabinet positions.
The Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act, which builds on the proposal Stabenow released in May, includes $39 billion in new resources “to keep farmers farming, families fed and rural communities strong.”