What’s Your Take on the 2018 Farm Bill?
U.S. House Agriculture Committee is seeking feedback on the previous Farm Bill in preparation for the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.
Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), House Ag republican leader, says farm bill feedback is “critical” with 2023 Farm Bill discussions in full swing.
“Hearing directly from farm country about what’s working and what’s not is the only way to ensure we craft a bill that meets the needs of rural America,” said Thompson.
House Ag Chairman David Scott (D-Ga.) “strongly encourages” producers to add their inputs on how the 2018 Farm Bill has or has not met their needs so as to craft a new bill that’s better suited for the people.
2018 Farm Bill feedback can be submitted through the online form.
More at Stake
Election midterms are around the corner. Randy Russell, president of The Russell Group, says the direction of 2022 elections will largely determine the 2023 Farm Bill parameters.
“If the House does flip, Glenn Thompson will become chair and that’s a very influential position over the Senate,” he says. “Even if Republicans were to take control, you’re still going to need Democratic votes to pass a farm bill.”
While party control is important to consider, Russell feels the primary farm bill angle—no matter who is running the gavel—will be focused on nutrition.
“If you take the 2023 Farm Bill and extend it for 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office, the total cost would be $1.3 trillion. Of that $1.3 trillion, $1 trillion is in nutrition,” says Russell. “I think that’s going to set up a debate about the role of nutrition versus farm program, among other aspects of the farm bill.”
Support for farm programs, crop insurance, trade programs, ag research and food safety will come down to balancing the scale with the $1 trillion nutrition price tag, according to Russell. He says “we’ve got to be willing to make a deal on the nutrition side” to attract votes from urban and suburban politicians.
The next 2023 Farm Bill review will take place on July 20, where House Ag Committee members will consider title XI crop insurance.
More on the coming farm bill:
Farm Bill 2023 Drives Up the Heat in House Ag Committee Hearing
