WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Lawmakers' Push for Farm Bill Advancement
Lawmakers are aiming to pass the farm bill before the end of the congressional session, with agricultural organizations urging Congress to address their key concerns.
The Senate farm bill includes year-round E15 sales, but the legislation is still under discussion. The American Coalition for Ethanol has urged Senate leaders to ensure this provision's passage through a letter. Brian Jennings, CEO of the American Coalition for Ethanol, highlights persistent high fuel costs and positions E15 as a proven solution.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed his desire to pass the farm bill but acknowledged the limited time frame.
Agricultural Groups' Other Priorities
The National Farmers Union (NFU) also urges Congress to address agricultural issues before the year's end, referencing concerns raised by farmers during the midterm elections. NFU President Rob Larew mentioned high fuel, fertilizer, and seed costs, along with slim profit margins. He emphasized the need for a stronger farm safety net.
The National Association of Wheat Growers advocates for additional economic and disaster payments and steps to reduce input costs. They emphasize the importance of certainty, open markets, and long-term solutions to protect family farms from high production costs and inflation.
Similarly, the National Corn Growers Association calls for a focus on agricultural policy during the lame-duck session, highlighting the critical priorities of passing a farm bill and year-round E15 sales, and warns against further delays.
Collin Peterson's View on Bipartisan Cooperation
Collin Peterson, former House Agriculture Committee Chair, sees the recent election as an opportunity to restore bipartisan cooperation in farm policy. With 15 terms in Congress and two terms as committee chair under three different presidents, Peterson understands the challenges of effective agricultural policy under a single-party control. He expresses farmers' frustration with political divisions and uncertainty.