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.
Click here to see more...