The House Agriculture Committee recently approved the Farm Bill, covering priorities including cattle health, voluntary conservation, and food security. The legislation passed with a vote of 33 to 21, which now progresses for further consideration. The bill aims to bolster commodity programs for producers with an estimated $45 billion investment over a decade. It includes increases in reference prices for crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat, alongside expanded coverage levels.
The Committee rejected amendments seeking to prioritize climate-smart practices and to allow the USDA to adjust SNAP benefits without congressional approval. The bill plans to trim $27 billion from SNAP over ten years, with redirected funds for nutrition programs, trade promotion, and specialty crops. The Agriculture secretary remains control of the Commodity Credit Corporation, after Republicans opposed a provision aiming to end this authority.
Representative Greg Casar introduced a bill requiring compliance with labor laws for meatpackers holding USDA contracts. Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson has committed to addressing this issue further, indicating a forthcoming hearing with relevant government officials. No amendments were proposed regarding the federal right for livestock producers to market across state lines, a provision maintained in the bill.
The American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, have expressed support for the Farm Bill’s advancement. They emphasize its importance in safeguarding the industry against disease, supporting conservation efforts, and ensuring food security.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “We urge House leaders to continue the momentum and bring this important legislation to a vote on the floor. We also urge the Senate Agriculture Committee to follow the lead of the House by scheduling a farm bill markup. A pandemic, high inflation, supply chain issues and global unrest all present challenges that can only be addressed by a new, modernized farm bill.”
NCBA President Mark Eisele said that cattle producers are thankful that the House Ag Committee has advanced a Farm Bill that delivers on the needs of rural America. “This Farm Bill protects the cattle industry from foreign animal disease, supports producers’ voluntary conservation efforts, and safeguards our food supply, recognizing that our food security is national security. On behalf of cattle farmers and ranchers across the country, thank you to Chairman Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee for passing this bill. I hope the full House will take the next step and pass this bill soon,” said Eisele.
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DTN/NCBA/AFBF
