Agreement On Farm Bill Announced

Ag committee leaders in both the House and the Senate announced Thursday an “agreement in principle” on a 2018 Farm Bill.  Details still need to be worked before a final bill can be voted on, and eventually sent to President Trump for his signature.  And with just over two weeks left in this Congress, the clock is working against law makers.  Senate Ag Chair Pat Roberts and Top Ag Democrat Debbie Stabenow, were asked their thoughts on the time to score the bill.

“At this late date, we hope we can expedite that, I’m just not sure how long it’s going to take…ASAP,” Roberts noted.

“I would just like to add that I think it’s very helpful that leadership is supportive of getting this done, on both sides,” Stabenow said.

Despite the sound of unity, few details of the proposal have been released.  So, where do we go from here?  House Ag Committee Chairman Mike Conaway.

“Right now, we’ve got staff feverishly working to finish the language of the bill, get the conference report written, and move from there.  So, we have two weeks to get that done, and time is of the essence.”

National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson encouraged Congress to act quickly to provide certainty for America’s farmers and ranchers preparing to face a challenging 2019.

“Getting a farm bill through the finish line before the end of the year is critical for the long-term viability and sustainability of family farmers and ranchers across the country. Farmers are enduring a growing financial crisis in the farm economy, and programs that support farm sustainability and diverse markets for family farmers have expired. Senate and House agriculture leaders and their staff have worked tirelessly to resolve differences in the chambers’ respective farm bills, and we’re optimistic they’ve come to terms on a farm bill that begins to provide the relief and certainty farmers need amidst struggling markets due to oversupply and trade volatility. We urge Congress to approve a farm bill before the end of the year.”

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