News Farm Bill Voting, Discussions Begin

Farm Bill Voting, Discussions Begin

Farm Bill Voting, Discussions Begin
May 7, 2018 |

When the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture passed its version of the farm bill April 18, it was the first hurdle in a lengthy process, said the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Mitt Walker.

The Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 would reauthorize farm programs and direct agricultural policy for five years. Farm groups praised the bill for preserving a safety net for farmers while enhancing conservation and accountability for nutrition spending.

“We’re pleased to see the bill move forward and encourage Congress to finalize it this year so farmers can confidently plan for the future,” Walker said. “We appreciate U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers listening to our farmers and representing their interests on the committee.”

The Federation’s farm bill advisory committee has reviewed major provisions of the legislation and agreed to write House Agriculture Committee Chair Mike Conaway, R-Texas, supporting the bill.

“We view this as the first step to ensuring the continuation of fiscally sound and effective farm policy for our members,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

Conaway accepted more than a dozen non-controversial amendments to the bill. The committee also accepted two new provisions, including one supporters said would restore integrity of the Interstate Commerce Clause in the U.S. Constitution. The amendment would prohibit states from imposing agricultural standards on products from other states. It would nullify California Proposition 2 adopted in 2008, which banned the sale of eggs produced in cages. Alabama and other states sued California over the law.

Visit agriculture.house.gov/farmbill/ to learn more.

View Related Articles