Congress Approves Farm Bill Extension Through September 2024

Nov 20, 2023

By Kate Hansen

President Joe Biden signed a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown. In addition to funding the U.S. government, the legislation includes a significant measure for rural communities—an extension of the 2018 farm bill.

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 expired on Sept. 30. While there were short term impacts, more significant consequences loomed in the new year if no action was taken.

The approved legislation, a product of negotiations between the House and Senate, extends provisions set by the 2018 farm bill through Sept. 30, 2024. This action is particularly important as it will keep commodity programs from reverting to antiquated “permanent laws” established in the 1930s and 1940s—commonly referred to as the “cliff effect.”

The bill will also fund programs without baseline funding and re-establish legal authority for programs to operate. Without an extension, the Local Agriculture Market Program and the Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach program, for example, faced a lapse in the administration of new grants.

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Video: Home Grown Ontario Tulips

Ontario’s flower sector is blooming ??

With more than $1 billion in farmgate sales and over $650 million in annual exports—much of it centred in the Niagara region—Ontario growers are a major force in Canada’s floriculture industry. In fact, the province produces roughly 50% of all flowers grown in the country, serving a market of over 100 million consumers within a one-day drive.

It’s a powerful example of how strategic location, cross-border access, and strong production capacity come together to support both local agriculture and global markets ??

?? Watch as Andrew Morse, Executive Director of Flowers Canada, shares insights and the full story behind Ontario’s tulip industry and its thriving flower sector.