The American Farm Bureau Federation and 21 other groups have asked the House Appropriations Committee to resist substantial policy changes as it prepares to provide funding for the new farm bill.
Go deeper with GlobalData
“We strongly encourage you to reject efforts to include provisions which would substantially change the policies in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002,” the groups wrote in a letter to members and leaders of the Appropriations Committee and Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee.
“We are concerned that any proposals to modify the policies will undermine the effectiveness of the new law,” the groups said. “Congress will be under significant pressure to identify new ways to fund the many provisions of the agriculture appropriations bill. Any change in the levels and schedule of financial assistance will be detrimental to farm income and would surely undermine the confidence of lenders and suppliers. Farmers and ranchers must be given the opportunity to regain their footing and must be provided with a reliable safety net.”
The groups pointed out they “worked diligently” for two years with Congress and the administration to develop a new, more effective farm policy. Congress responded by providing an additional US$73.5bn for the next ten years to facilitate development of a farm bill that would: (1) thwart the need for future economic emergency assistance programmes; (2) provide an adequate safety net for producers; (3) more sufficiently fund conservation programs; and, (4) provide additional funding for rural development and research.
The groups said the 2002 farm bill “generally meets these objectives” and fully complies with the budget, and it is “equitable and balanced.”
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataThe groups that signed the letter were: the Alabama Farmers Federation, American Beekeeping Federation, American Sheep Industry Association, American Soybean Association, American Sugar Alliance, Farm Credit Council, Independent Community Bankers of America, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Grain Sorghum Producers, National Milk Producers Federation, National Sunflower Association, North Carolina Peanut Growers Association, South East Dairy Farmers Association, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, US Canola Association, US Rice Producers Group, US Rice Producers Association, and Western Peanut Growers Association.
The Farm Bill has provoked intense dispute, notably among farming communities and governments outside the US, as it is felt in some quarters that it gives US farmers and producers an unfair advantage over their international counterparts.
