WASHINGTON — In a recent letter to Congressional leadership, more than 500 agricultural groups called for the passage of a new farm bill. 

The letter was signed by some of the major organizations, including the National Pork Producers Council, the National Turkey Federation, the American Farm Bureau Federation and dozens of other state agriculture organizations.

“Millions of Americans rely daily on the provisions of the farm bill to produce food, fiber and fuel; to feed their families and others around the world; to voluntarily conserve fish and wildlife and their habitat; to provide sustainable solutions for clean air and water; to provide a producer safety net; to facilitate international trade; to create local jobs and robust economies; and to support rural development nationwide,” the letter said.

The National Pork Producers Council held a Farm Bill Fly, from July 23-25, to address critical issues for US pork producers and “ensure their voices are heard in Washington, DC, driving positive change and protecting the future of American pork.

Several groups are also concerned that passing a stopgap extension on this legislation would risk further delay following the presidential election, seating the new Congress, and other legislative matters. 

“When more than 500 groups — many of which typically have competing agendas — come together and speak with one voice, it clearly demonstrates the urgency and importance of passing a new farm bill,” said Zippy Duval, president of AFBF. “We’ve experienced a pandemic, record-high inflation, global unrest and supply chain issues since the current farm bill passed. It’s time lawmakers work in a bipartisan manner and agree on a new farm bill that addresses challenges and looks to the future to ensure America’s families continue to have access to the safest, most affordable food, fiber and fuel in the world.”

On July 23, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing on the financial conditions of farming country throughout the United States.

House Agriculture Committee Chair Representative Glenn Thompson (R-Penn.) delivered opening remarks laying out the state of the bill and what he hopes to accomplish in the next few months to pass it.

“As recently as last week, House Ag Committee Democrats expressed a preference to see a bill fail before engaging,” Thompson said. “So, I will say again: if there are members on the other side of the aisle that truly want to see a farm bill come to fruition this year, my door remains open to negotiation from any partner willing to come to the table with a serious proposal, not more red lines.”

Representative David Scott (D-Ga.), the committee’s ranking member, raised his concerns about new trade wars if former President Donald Trump is elected again. 

“American farmers bore the brunt of the trade war last time, and they would be hit hard again if Republicans pursue an economic agenda that will undermine the stability of American commodity prices and lead to retaliatory tariffs,” Scott said.