AFBF warns of farm closures without federal support
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has raised concerns over Congress’s disregard for the ongoing agricultural crisis. AFBF President Zippy Duvall criticized lawmakers for failing to include economic aid for farmers in the year-end supplemental spending bill.
“Farmers don’t get to set the prices for their goods, and right now those prices don’t even come close to covering their costs,” said Duvall. “If Congress fails to include economic aid, we’ll lose more farms, and our whole country will suffer the consequences.”
With 141,000 farms lost in the past five years, the AFBF stresses the urgency of government support to stabilize the farm economy. Without aid, the agricultural recession could lead to further farm closures and threaten food security.
The AFBF notes that nearly 80% of Americans believe supporting farmers should be a legislative priority. Duvall called on Congress to act responsibly, stating, “I hope reasonable members of Congress take a stand for the good folks who stock their pantries.”
The AFBF urges lawmakers to ensure the supplemental bill addresses the needs of farmers, emphasizing that agriculture is a critical pillar of the nation’s economy and well-being.