WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — Senate agriculture leaders believe a farm bill could pass this year, but farm groups say producers are looking for certainty as they face continued economic pressure.
Michelle Hennings with the Washington Association of Wheat Growers says federal subsidies can help farmers through difficult conditions, but they are not a long-term answer.
“I know that the federal level is really trying to help farmers with subsidies during this tough time, but it’s not an answer to everything, right? It’s a Band-Aid, so it’s important that we just keep talking about what’s happening at the farmer level and what they’re seeing for the high input costs that they’re seeing.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall is also calling for certainty as work on the farm bill continues.
“Farmers and ranchers are facing years of losses. They need the certainty of a strong, bi-partisan farm bill. An overwhelming majority of Americans recognize that food security is national security. And, most of them say they would be more likely to support a member of Congress who votes to reauthorize the farm bill.”
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman says work will resume immediately when the Senate returns to Washington. The committee’s previous farm bill meeting remains open, allowing lawmakers to continue work from where they left off.
