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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Farm programs remain small but politically easier to expand.
Pat Hord with the National Pork Producers Council joined us to recap producer meetings in Washington and discuss key policy priorities including Prop 12 and agricultural labor.
March 15 of each year is the application deadline for the Pima Cotton Trust, and March 1 of each year is the application deadline for the Wool Trust. The law mandates trust payments by April 15. More information about these programs is available at www.fas.usda.gov/programs.
While the Farm Bill is top of mind right now, it is far from the only issue getting attention in Washington.
The sugar policy debate affects prices, trade, and farm stability.
More Farms File for Bankruptcy As Strong Farm Loan Demand Boosts Bank Earnings
