Nebraska farmers have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, making it crucial for Congress to pass a strong farm bill. The bill provides a safety net through commodity programs and crop insurance, ensuring farmers can withstand unpredictable conditions. Conservation efforts are also emphasized to protect natural resources and ensure the long-term viability of farming. The farm bill must address foreign competition, as heavily-subsidized foreign producers undercut U.S. farmers. The bill also strengthens rural communities through infrastructure improvements, broadband expansion, and healthcare access. The House Agriculture Committee has passed a farm bill that fulfills these priorities, and now the Senate Agriculture Committee must do their part. A strong final bill will support farmers, invest in rural communities, and secure the future of agriculture in Nebraska.
However, a diverse group of organizations and companies, including the North American Millers’ Association (NAMA), is urging members of the House Appropriations Committee to oppose the farm bill as it currently stands. The bill would slash funding for the US international food aid program, P.L.480 Title II Food for Peace, by 38% to $1 billion, a $619 million cut from fiscal year 2024 and 60% from the authorized level. The group argues that this cut comes at a time of unprecedented global hunger, with as many as 783 million people facing chronic hunger and 309 million experiencing acute levels of food insecurity. Among the signatories to the letter are NAMA, Didion Milling, Inc., Grain Millers, Inc., LifeLine Foods, REPCO, SEMO Milling LLC, Oxfam America, and Save the Children. The House Agriculture Committee approved the legislative draft in May by a vote of 33 to 21. The group emphasizes that US international food aid not only helps recipients but also provides a boost for US economic and national security interests. They urge the committee to reject the current reduction to Food for Peace in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025.
The 39th International Sweetener Symposium recently concluded, with discussions on the next Farm Bill. Jack Pettus, Vice President of Government Relations for the American Sugar Cane League and incoming Chairman of the American Sugar Alliance, emphasized the need for a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill. The costs of growing sugarbeets and sugarcane have increased by over 30% since the last Farm Bill. The sugar industry supports over 151,000 jobs and contributes over $23 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The Symposium featured presentations from members of Congress, trade officials, and sugar experts. The stability and cost-effectiveness of sugar policy have garnered support from both sides of the aisle. The Farm Bill is currently being debated amidst the unique dynamics of the 2024 election.
More than 500 agricultural organizations, including several from Indiana, have sent a letter to lawmakers in Congress, urging them to pass a new farm bill this year. Joe Gilson, director of congressional relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says the large number of different agricultural groups who have all signed on to the letter should stress to lawmakers the importance of a new farm bill. The American Farm Bureau Federation recently published a list of five areas that would be negatively impacted if Congressional lawmakers fail to pass a new Farm Bill this year: 1. Farmer safety net; 2. Help for dairy farmers; 3. Agricultural sustainability; 4. Research; 5. Food security is economic and national security. [eccae3a7]