Farm Bill Expiration Raises Uncertainty for U.S. Farmers and Families: What's at Stake for Agriculture Programs?
Source: DairyNews.today
The expiration of the U.S. Farm Bill on September 30 has cast uncertainty over the agricultural sector, impacting farmers, their families, and millions of Americans relying on nutrition assistance. Originally due to expire in 2023, the latest iteration of the bill was an extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, which operates on a five-year cycle. While the recent expiration poses challenges, key programs will continue, albeit under specific conditions.
Core Programs Affected by Expiration
The Farm Bill governs a range of agricultural support mechanisms, including crop insurance, conservation initiatives, and commodity programs. Approximately 75 percent of the bill's budget, however, is dedicated to nutrition assistance, specifically the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports over 2 million people across Iowa and Illinois alone. Due to a continuing resolution passed by Congress and permanent legislative provisions, SNAP will continue to receive funding despite the lapse of the broader bill.
However, other aspects of the bill, such as those affecting the dairy industry, face potential reversion to outdated legislation from the 1940s unless Congress takes action by January. This would lead to a framework ill-suited to today’s agricultural realities, underscoring the need for timely legislative updates.
Ensuring Support Amidst Expiration: Crop Insurance and Beyond
Fortunately, essential support structures like crop insurance are categorized as permanent expenditures, guaranteeing continuity in the event of natural disasters. "Crop insurance is a permanent expenditure, so it will still be carried out," stated Ryan Whitehouse of the Illinois Farm Bureau, emphasizing that farmers remain protected from immediate risks. However, he acknowledged the pressing need for updates to align the safety net with today’s agricultural economy. “We are working on a 2018 farm bill in a 2014 farm economy, so upgrades are necessary to ensure it meets current demands,” Whitehouse explained.
The Push for a New Bill and Political Influence
While farmers may not experience an immediate impact, stakeholders in the agricultural sector are advocating for a new Farm Bill. Whitehouse noted that legislative timing often hinges on political dynamics, particularly during election cycles. “Elections play a major part in everything,” he said, adding that he hopes meaningful progress will emerge once the elections conclude. Despite the challenges, Whitehouse remains optimistic: “Agriculture is really nonpartisan. Everyone wants to eat and everyone has to eat.”
Implications for Agricultural Programs
Though permanent programs like SNAP and crop insurance persist, other vital initiatives have lost funding. The University of Illinois’ Farm Doc reports that 21 programs are no longer receiving support due to the bill's expiration. The last occurrence of such a lapse was in 2008, highlighting the unusual nature of the current situation.
The expiration of the Farm Bill underscores the critical need for updated legislation that reflects the economic realities of today’s agricultural landscape. As Congress deliberates on the future of U.S. agriculture policy, farmers, advocacy groups, and consumers alike will be watching closely, hopeful that a comprehensive and modernized bill will soon be enacted.
The Farm Bill governs a range of agricultural support mechanisms, including crop insurance, conservation initiatives, and commodity programs. Approximately 75 percent of the bill's budget, however, is dedicated to nutrition assistance, specifically the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports over 2 million people across Iowa and Illinois alone. Due to a continuing resolution passed by Congress and permanent legislative provisions, SNAP will continue to receive funding despite the lapse of the broader bill.
However, other aspects of the bill, such as those affecting the dairy industry, face potential reversion to outdated legislation from the 1940s unless Congress takes action by January. This would lead to a framework ill-suited to today’s agricultural realities, underscoring the need for timely legislative updates.
Ensuring Support Amidst Expiration: Crop Insurance and Beyond
Fortunately, essential support structures like crop insurance are categorized as permanent expenditures, guaranteeing continuity in the event of natural disasters. "Crop insurance is a permanent expenditure, so it will still be carried out," stated Ryan Whitehouse of the Illinois Farm Bureau, emphasizing that farmers remain protected from immediate risks. However, he acknowledged the pressing need for updates to align the safety net with today’s agricultural economy. “We are working on a 2018 farm bill in a 2014 farm economy, so upgrades are necessary to ensure it meets current demands,” Whitehouse explained.
The Push for a New Bill and Political Influence
While farmers may not experience an immediate impact, stakeholders in the agricultural sector are advocating for a new Farm Bill. Whitehouse noted that legislative timing often hinges on political dynamics, particularly during election cycles. “Elections play a major part in everything,” he said, adding that he hopes meaningful progress will emerge once the elections conclude. Despite the challenges, Whitehouse remains optimistic: “Agriculture is really nonpartisan. Everyone wants to eat and everyone has to eat.”
Implications for Agricultural Programs
Though permanent programs like SNAP and crop insurance persist, other vital initiatives have lost funding. The University of Illinois’ Farm Doc reports that 21 programs are no longer receiving support due to the bill's expiration. The last occurrence of such a lapse was in 2008, highlighting the unusual nature of the current situation.
The expiration of the Farm Bill underscores the critical need for updated legislation that reflects the economic realities of today’s agricultural landscape. As Congress deliberates on the future of U.S. agriculture policy, farmers, advocacy groups, and consumers alike will be watching closely, hopeful that a comprehensive and modernized bill will soon be enacted.
