Work Begins To Blend Ag Bill Proposals Together

The toughest hurdle lies ahead for the 2018 farm bill, melding the very different House and Senate bills into one.  It was tough enough getting a farm bill through the House by a two-vote margin after two attempts.  Senate passage of a bipartisan bill was much easier.  Now, the heavy-lifting starts, probably in mid-to-late July to meld together the two farm bills with big differences on food stamp work requirements, payment limits, and conservation.

“Today the senate has proven that bipartisanship is the way we can get things done, and we all know that is the case.," said Senate Ag Ranking Democrat Debbie Stabenow.  "It is not always the easiest path to take, however when we put our difference aside and focus on the needs of the people, the communities that we serve, that’s how we deliver a good bill.”

The House bill meanwhile was voted along party lines.  Stabenow said there is political ‘muscle’ behind the Senate bill heading into talks with the House.

“And over 500 food, agriculture and conservation leaders agree that this bill will provide certainty to our communities and to our farmers, across the country.”

But the Senate may not have the upper hand on all the contentious issues.  The House and Senate differ on conservation, where the House rolled the Conservation Stewardship Program into the very popular EQIP, raising concerns CSP might be weakened.

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