After the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed its version of the farm bill, many agriculture groups voiced their opinion.
While many groups, like the national corn, soybean and wheat growers’ associations, and the American Farm Bureau Federation, were supportive of the bill, the National Farmers Union expressed its disappointment.
Read on to see six reactions to the passage of the House farm bill.
National Corn Growers Association: “Today’s vote is a big step forward to seeing a new farm bill this year. The House farm bill maintains a robust crop insurance program, ensuring it continues to be a viable risk management tool for farmers across the country. Now we will be looking toward the U.S. Senate and possible efforts to further strengthen the farm safety net, making it more equitable for our nation’s corn growers, as they bring the Senate Agriculture Committee’s farm bill to the floor.”
American Soybean Association: “Farmers need the long-term certainty and stability that passing a new five-year farm bill will provide. Right now, the economic future of our industry is clouded by low crop prices and farm income, and by volatility in foreign markets. We call on the Senate to follow suit and pass its version of the farm bill next week so Congress can complete the 2018 farm bill in July.”
National Association of Wheat Growers: “NAWG commends the House of Representatives for working to move the Farm Bill forward and passed out of the Chamber. It’s vital for a final Farm Bill to be reauthorized before the September 30th deadline, so that farmers can have access to these beneficial programs. … NAWG continues working to ensure that a final Farm Bill includes provisions that provide financial incentives for farmers to adopt conservation practices into their operations. … We hope to see similar movement in the full Senate soon and will continue to work with members once both bills go to conference.”
Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.): “This is a major step forward as we work to reinforce this critical safety net for producers and bolster food security for our country. The House-passed Farm Bill would renew much of the 2014 legislation – what many called the most reformative Farm Bill in history. The bill maintains a strong crop insurance program, reinforces commodity program reform, and upholds strong livestock disaster programs. With critical programs preserved, we also made some tweaks to ensure greater accuracy and accountability.”
American Farm Bureau Federation: “By approving the 2018 farm bill today, members of the House recognized the serious economic challenges facing farmers and ranchers across the country. … We look forward to continuing our work with Senate Agriculture Committee leaders Roberts and Stabenow as they move forward. The Senate bill also addresses the challenges our farmers and ranchers are facing today.”
National Farmers Union: “Farmers Union is disappointed by many components of the House’s version of the 2018 Farm Bill. Family farmers and consumers alike require strong safety nets, farm sustainability measures, and accessible markets. The need is especially pronounced as farmers struggle amidst a prolonged downturn in the farm economy and significant market volatility as a result of tensions with international trading partners. We stand ready to work with members of Congress throughout the conference process to improve this legislation to meet the needs of family farmers and our food system.”
