Keeping the farm bill process moving
The farm bill is a crucial piece of legislation for American farmers and ranchers. It governs various aspects of farming, food, and rural development in the United States. For growers and supply chain partners, keeping the farm bill process moving is essential for fostering growth and stability within the industry.
As we head into the second half of 2024, the National Potato Council and our partners in the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) are strongly urging Congress to write a bill that can be signed into law this year.
The farm bill expires every five years. The current bill, which expires Sept. 30, extended policies enacted by the 2018 Farm Bill.
The farm bill reflects the complexity of modern-day agriculture, covering a wide range of titles and issues, including crop insurance, disaster assistance, conservation programs, nutrition assistance and agricultural research. However, the path to passing such a complex and expensive bill requires careful bipartisan negotiation and collaboration among lawmakers, supported by credible industry stakeholders.
Specialty crop industry’s role
The specialty crop industry — encompassing fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery and greenhouse commodities — now plays a crucial role in the farm bill process. While previously a minor player resigned to the back bench, the specialty crop industry brought together the power of hundreds of specialty crop organizations to fight for a larger share of the farm bill pie to benefit industry partners who represent nearly half of the value of U.S. agricultural production.
In a process that kicked off over two and a half years ago at the Potato Expo in Anaheim, California, the industry put together detailed recommendations to ensure our growers’ needs will be met in a new five-year bill. The House Agriculture Committee, led by Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.), took those recommendations to heart, reflecting them in the bill that was reported out of the committee in late May.
Key specialty crop provisions
Several provisions in the farm bill are particularly important for the specialty crop industry. These include:
Trade support
Trade is vital for the specialty crop industry. The farm bill includes measures to support international trade initiatives, ensuring that specialty crops can access global markets. This is especially important for industries like potatoes, which have seen significant growth in markets such as Mexico and Japan. Maintaining access to these markets and addressing protectionist measures are critical for the industry’s continued success.
Research and development
Investment in research and development is essential for the specialty crop industry’s future. The farm bill allocates funds for research programs that focus on pest and disease management, crop improvement and sustainable farming practices. These investments ensure that the industry remains competitive and can adapt to emerging challenges.
Pest and disease management
Pest and disease management programs are vital for protecting specialty crops from threats. The farm bill includes funding for programs that aim to eradicate existing pests and diseases and prevent new ones from entering the country. This proactive approach helps safeguard the industry and maintain crop quality.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
One of the standout programs in the farm bill is the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This initiative allows states and territories to promote their unique specialty crops. By tailoring the program to their specific needs, states can enhance their specialty crop industries and boost competitiveness. This localized approach ensures that each state’s specialty crop industry receives the attention it deserves.
Moving forward
Once passed, each farm bill provides certainty for producers for its duration. The future of this current effort to revise the Farm Bill is quite uncertain as Congress works to deal with both the policies and the costs of the new bill. However, the initial steps taken by the House Agriculture Committee demonstrate progress and a commitment to meeting the needs of the agricultural community.
Our goal now is to keep the farm bill process moving in the House and encourage the Senate to advance its measure in order to get the bill to conference and the president’s desk by the end of the year.
