House committee advances farm bill with Miller's provisions

May 28, 2024

By Farms.com

The House Agriculture Committee advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, with a bipartisan vote. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07) played a key role, securing the passage of the bill and incorporating amendments from his Farm to Fly Act.

"A strong Farm Bill is crucial for our farmers and consumers," said Congressman Miller. He commended Chairman Thompson's leadership and collaboration with stakeholders.

One of Congressman Miller's victories was the inclusion of provisions from his Farm to Fly Act. This amendment aims to bolster U.S. energy resources, potentially impacting food production costs.

The Congressman also highlighted the vital work of Ohio State University, particularly the Wooster Campus, in advancing agricultural technology and innovation.

Miller collaborated with his Agriculture Advisory Council, composed of Ohio farmers, to craft priorities reflected in the Farm Bill.

These priorities include:

Strengthening farm safety nets and crop insurance
Expanding trade opportunities
Supporting animal health
Encouraging job training and nutrition education
Making food more affordable for Americans

The Farm Bill also incorporates additional initiatives championed by Congressman Miller:

Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resiliency Act - Focuses on strengthening the food supply chain and lowering consumer food costs.
Mechanization and Automation Accelerated Research Act - Promotes research on advanced technologies to improve agricultural efficiency and potentially lower consumer prices.
Training and Nutrition Stability Act - Incentivizes workforce training programs for SNAP beneficiaries.

This Farm Bill signifies a significant step towards supporting American agriculture and consumers. Congressman Miller's efforts highlight the importance of collaboration between legislators, farmers, and research institutions in shaping a robust food system.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.