AEM Concerned Over Lack Of Long-Term Farm Bill, Effect On Farmers, Ranchers

As Congress debates possible action in Syria and averting a government shutdown, AEM is working to ensure that passage of a long-term Farm Bill receives prominent attention from lawmakers during budget negotiations. Last year, Congress passed a one-year extension of the Farm Bill, which is now set to expire at the end of September 2013.

The lack of a long-term bill creates uncertainty among U.S. farmers and ranchers, and the current policy limbo may affect their future plans for equipment acquisition. AEM is actively lobbying Congress to take the legislative action that will drive sustainable growth in the U.S. agriculture economy.

Earlier this year the Senate passed a comprehensive long-term Farm Bill and the House of Representatives passed a version of the bill that did not include nutrition assistance. AEM opposed the House’s actions due to the negative impact on the potential for a long-term agreement, and the two bodies have yet to pass a final version.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) is calling for the House to move to conference without passing a nutrition title. She believes that the agriculture committees will be able to resolve their differences through conference.