Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) is pushing to finalize a full five-year farm bill rather than pursue an ad hoc emergency assistance package for farmers, despite pressure from commodity groups and some lawmakers. Stabenow believes it’s “too early” for emergency relief talks, focusing instead on securing long-term legislation. Ranking member John Boozman (R-Ark.) agrees discussions about an extension can wait until after the election, while others, like Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), are advocating for disaster relief to bridge the gap before the new bill is authorized.
Stabenow said the legislation must consider public nutrition and agricultural programs equally.
Senior staffers from the House and Senate Agriculture committees continue to discuss elements of a new farm bill. Typically, staffers resolve technical matters, while the Republican and Democratic leaders of the committees decide the major issues. If the committee leaders agree on an outline of the new bill, staff workers could have text ready for consideration in November, Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.), ranking on the House Agriculture Committee, said last week.
Pro Farmer provides industry-leading ag policy coverage and insights. Read more from Pro Farmer.
