The American Farm Bureau Federation and more than 500 other groups that represent ag, nutrition, conservation, the environment, rural development and numerous other sectors issued a united call on July 22 to call for a new farm bill.
The AFBF issued a statement that said, “Programs that benefit every family in America are too important to put off any longer.” A letter was sent to congressional leaders with that message, asking those leaders “for the passage of a new, modernized farm bill.”
Sent to leaders in both chambers, and leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture committees, the letter said, “Millions of Americans rely daily on the provisions of the farm bill to produce food, fiber and fuel; to feed their families and others around the world; to voluntarily conserve fish and wildlife and their habitat; to provide sustainable solutions for clean air and water; to provide a producer safety net; to facilitate international trade; to create local jobs and robust economies; and to support rural development nationwide.”
The groups “recognize that time is running out to craft and pass a farm bill this year. Passing a stopgap extension of this critical piece of legislation would put it at risk of further delay following the presidential election, the seating of a new Congress, and other legislative priorities,” the AFBF said.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “When more than 500 groups – many of which typically have competing agendas – come together and speak with one voice, it clearly demonstrates the urgency and importance of passing a new farm bill. We’ve experienced a pandemic, record-high inflation, global unrest and supply chain issues since the current farm bill passed. It’s time lawmakers work in a bipartisan manner and agree on a new farm bill that addresses challenges and looks to the future to ensure America’s families continue to have access to the safest, most affordable food, fiber and fuel in the world.”
