U.S. Farm Groups Urge Swift Passage of New Farm Bill Amid Economic Challenges

In a collective effort to address pressing agricultural concerns, more than 300 U.S. farm and commodity groups have issued a urgent appeal to Congress. The organizations, including prominent entities such as the National Corn Growers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, and American Soybean Association, are calling for the swift passage of a new farm bill before the conclusion of 2024.

This push comes at a critical juncture for the agricultural sector, as farmers face a projected 4.4% decline in income for 2024, marking the second consecutive annual decrease. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's forecast underscores the economic challenges confronting the farming community.

The farm bill, a comprehensive legislative package typically renewed every five years, plays a crucial role in supporting various agricultural programs. It encompasses funding for farm commodity and subsidy initiatives, as well as nutrition and conservation efforts. The bill's significance extends beyond direct farming support, as it also includes provisions for:

• Crop insurance
• Conservation programs
• Nutrition assistance (including SNAP)
• Support for beginning farmers and ranchers
• Agricultural research and extension services
• Rural development and infrastructure
• Renewable energy and biofuels promotion

The current situation stems from the expiration of the 2018 farm bill in September 2023. Due to political disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over key issues, including nutrition aid funding, Congress failed to pass a new package last year. Instead, lawmakers opted for an extension of the 2018 law, which is set to expire at the end of September 2024.

The political process for enacting a new farm bill involves both the House and Senate agriculture committees drafting their respective versions, which must then be reconciled before a full Congressional vote. In May 2024, the Republican-led House Agriculture Committee passed its version of the new farm bill, albeit with limited Democratic support.

The farm groups' letter emphasizes the potential consequences of failing to reauthorize the farm bill with meaningful investments in commodity programs and crop insurance. They argue that a simple extension of current law would be insufficient to address the challenges facing family farms.

"Failing to reauthorize a farm bill without meaningful investments in commodity programs and crop insurance, or settling for a simple extension of current law, would leave thousands of family farms with no options to continue producing for this nation in 2025 and beyond."

This urgent call for action highlights the critical role of the farm bill in ensuring the stability and sustainability of U.S. agriculture. As farmers continue to grapple with high input costs, extreme weather events, and economic uncertainties, the timely passage of a comprehensive farm bill becomes increasingly vital for the future of American farming.