Over the years, there’s been some talk of splitting farm programs and nutrition programs in the Farm Bill, and making them separate pieces of legislation.  However, Utah Farm Bureau member Tyson Roberts said the two programs need to be connected.

 

Roberts, a 6th generation farmer, sells direct to consumers.  He noted customers at farmers markets can use their SNAP benefits, funded by the Farm Bill, to purchase fresh, local food.

 

“It's been beneficial to have that option available to those in our communities that are most in need, giving them the opportunity to buy the freshest, high-quality produce and use their SNAP benefits to receive that. And it helps us boost our sales, as well, opening up to more customers.”

 

In Roberts’ opinion, farm programs and the nutrition program go hand-in-hand.

 

“It's tough to get a farm bill passed that has all of the things that farmers need without the nutrition aspect of it because you have lawmakers on both sides of the aisle representing a lot of different demographics. And those urban legislators need to see something in the farm bill that's benefiting their constituents, so it’s important to have both the nutrition as well as the farm programs work hand-in-hand.” 

 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com

More From PNW Ag Network