WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 18 — The Alabama Farmers Federation is calling on Congress to preserve economic and disaster relief for farmers as it considers passage of a continuing resolution to fund government through March 14.

“Farmers are facing the worst economic crisis since the 1980s,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “Low prices, high interest rates and skyrocketing production costs made it impossible for many farmers to turn a profit this year. Natural disasters and delays in passing a farm bill made matters worse. We appreciate Alabama’s Congressional delegation joining lawmakers from across the country in fighting to ensure farmers’ needs are addressed in the spending bill.”

The continuing resolution released Tuesday includes $10 billion in economic aid to row crop producers, as well as $21 billion for farmers recovering from natural disasters. It also extends the 2018 farm bill through September.

“Farmers can’t wait 18 months for a new farm bill to go into effect,” Parnell said. “While $10 billion won’t make them whole, it will allow many to plant another crop.”

Parnell specifically thanked Alabama’s Congressional delegation, which has been unified in support of the farm relief package.

“Alabama farmers are blessed to be represented in Washington by senators and congressmen who appreciate agriculture,” Parnell said. “They understand a country that can’t feed itself can’t defend itself. We thank them for standing up for Alabama farmers as Congress wrestles with the complexities of the continuing resolution.”

Parnell urged Federation members to thank their senators and representatives and ask them to stand firm on the disaster and economic relief package. Congress has until Friday, Dec. 20, to approve the stopgap measure and avoid a government shutdown.