More than 500 groups representing a diverse array of farm bill stakeholder are urging Congress to pass a farm bill before the end of the year, noting the legislative process will have to begin anew in the next Congress.

Groups representing agriculture, nutrition, conservation, the environment, rural development and several other sectors sent a letter to congressional leaders stressing the importance of the farm bill.

“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 stated.

Critical legislation

The groups emphasized time is running out to craft and pass a farm bill this year. Passing a stopgap extension of this critical piece of legislation would put it at risk of further delay following the presidential election, the seating of a new Congress and other legislative priorities, they said.

On Nov. 15th, the Senate voted to pass a House bill for a continuing resolution, which included an extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.

The bill extends the farm bill through September 2024. President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law.

“We have concerns that it may not be logistically or politically feasible to advance a new farm bill early in the next Congress. As committed stakeholders and beneficiaries of the farm bill, we cannot continue to wait for updated policies, provisions, initiatives and critical funding that support our collective interests,” the letter said.

“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,” Zippy Duvall, president of American Farm Bureau Federation, said in a press release.

Serious challenges

“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,” he said.

Farm bill conservation programs are the largest single federal funding source for private land conservation, Lori Faeth, senior director of government relations for the Land Trust Alliance, said in a press release.

“Every hour, we lose approximately 150 acres of natural land and 85 acres of farmland and ranchland to development,” she said in a press release.

“The Land Trust Alliance and its nearly 1,000-member land trusts recognize the importance of these programs in helping farmers, ranchers and foresters conserve and enhance their working lands,” she said.