Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow, (D-Mich.) said in a Senate Ag Committee hearing that there will be no new funding for the new farm bill. This means any increase in funding for programs will require reallocating money from other parts of the bill.
Related story: 3 Reasons the Farm Bill is Behind Schedule
She expressed her disappointment at new savings from the debt ceiling bill not being allocated to the farm bill. Despite asking the House and Senate Budget Committee for even a few billion dollars, their requests were unmet.
Stabenow specifically warned the audience at the Nutrition Incentive Hub’s National Convening Tuesday that they should not expect additional funding for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, which aims to provide fresh produce to low-income individuals. She emphasized that a win in this scenario may look like preserving the current funding to maintain the program before moving forward.
Related story: Conservation and CRP Rates Discussed in Latest House Panel Hearing
Stabenow stressed she will not allow conservation funding from the Inflation Reduction Act to be redirected, highlighting the importance of addressing the climate crisis and mitigating risks faced by farmers.
