Progress in Washington for this year’s Farm Bill is nearing a halt, but that has not stopped ag groups from letting lawmakers know their priorities.
Ted McKinney, President of NASDA, says the U.S. is falling behind in funding for ag research and trade programs. He tells Brownfield Ag News spending on land grant institutions has been a low priority in the last two Farm Bills, and he feels that has led to a decline in new talent for the food and ag sector.
NASDA members are also calling for more market access and development. McKinney says that is the only way to level the playing field around the world.
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The NCBA says the Senate Farm Bill strengthens key cattle programs but leaves Proposition 12 and year-round E15 unresolved while officials respond to New World screwworm cases.
Temporary aid is often delayed, uncertain, and repeated assistance may also contribute to higher input costs.
The proposal would shift Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole from the State Department to USDA.
Thompson says he remains confident the Senate can advance the bipartisan farm bill before time runs out.
Senate Agriculture Committee chair John Boozman says there wouldn’t be enough votes to pass the full Farm Bill if the Prop 12 fix were included, as bipartisan support is necessary to advance the legislation.
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew and National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles discuss the Senate Farm Bill, farm safety-net priorities, supplemental aid, year-round E15, support for specialty crops, and federal agricultural policy.
