Farming Nonprofit Warns of Impact on Rural Livelihoods
A budget bill now before Congress could have serious consequences for America’s small farmers, according to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.
Known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," the legislation could reduce federal support for conservation, research, and food programs.
More than 37,000 farmers in Arkansas alone may be affected, according to Mike Lavender, the group’s policy director. He said the bill threatens crucial programs that help farmers sustain their businesses and serve their communities.
“These cuts, even to relatively small programs, are going to mean that fewer farmers have access to resources and information that help them have a successful livelihood, help their business work and help them be successful in providing for their family,” Lavender explained.
While lawmakers in the House passed the bill in May, the Senate version is still under review. Supporters say the bill helps control spending and improve efficiency in government services.
Lavender, however, stressed the high demand for these programs across rural America. In Arkansas, 86% of farms are family-run, and reductions in funding could harm rural communities that rely on farming for income and food access.
The nonprofit is encouraging the Senate to take a different approach. “Don’t do what the House did,” Lavender urged. “Don’t undercut farmers, don’t undercut rural communities by reducing funding for these programs.”
One positive element of the House version is support for local food purchases, but Lavender said it doesn’t outweigh the harm done by the other cuts.
The Coalition is continuing its advocacy to ensure farmers get the tools they need to succeed. Their goal is to preserve key agriculture programs that benefit the economy, the environment, and public health.