Importance Of Farm Bill Stressed In Congress

According to lawmakers from several Ag states, the need for a new Farm Bill hasn’t gone away.  Some, but not all, updates of farm safety net programs made it into the President’s successful tax bill, and ag lawmakers say it’s now time to finish the job.

“Today, our loan programs don’t reflect the realities of the modern family farm," House General Farm Commodities panel chair Austin Scott recently noted.  "Loan limits are outdated, and the loan process is often slow and burdensome.”

He called for improvements in the Farm Bill credit title.

“We must ensure that the credit programs at the Farm Service Agency are improved to serve both producers and lenders,” he said.

GOP Wants To See A Fiscally Conservative Farm Bill

Meanwhile, Kansas Republican Representative Tracey Mann called on Congress to pass a fiscally conservative five-year farm bill, including support for agriculture research and development.  He added the nation has already seen the devastating impact of outbreaks like HPAI, and he stressed steps must be taken now to prevent the New World Screwworm from landing within the United States.

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