The National Governors Association issued the following statement after the Senate’s passage of the bipartisan, bicameral 2018 Farm Bill conference report:
The nation’s governors applaud the progress conferees and Agriculture Committee Chairmen Sen. Roberts and Rep. Conaway, and Ranking Members Sen. Stabenow and Rep. Peterson have made on crafting a bipartisan farm bill.
NGA Executive Director and CEO Scott D. Pattison stated, “Governors applaud the Senate’s swift passage, and continue to strongly urge Congress to prioritize and pass this critical legislation before the end of the year. This legislation would give America’s producers critical federal investment and certainty as they plan for this and future farm years, which helps maintain price stability for consumers. In short, Americans need a farm bill.”
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Dr. Barbara P. Glenn added, “NASDA commends the bipartisan deal made for the 2018 Farm Bill and is grateful for the Senate’s quick vote. This new bill supports programs that farmers, consumers and communities depend on, so NASDA asks the House to also consider the urgent nature of this bill and pass the 2018 Farm Bill with a swift vote.”
The bipartisan conference agreement includes provisions governors sought, including:
• Investing in the security of our farm economy by continuing to provide producers tools to mitigate and manage risks;
• Significant new resources for animal disease coordination and prevention, including mandatory funding for states that will help safeguard the economic vitality across America’s animal agricultural sector;
• Promoting agricultural exports, including funding for the Market Access Program to help advance export opportunities for our states’ agricultural products;
• Investing in voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs implemented in coordination with states;
• Attention to increased need for agricultural research;
• Supporting rural communities, including increased investment in broadband; and
• Recognizing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s role in providing a key benefit to more than 40 million low-income individuals and families.
