The farm bill has a long tradition of inspiring lawmakers to rise above politics to achieve a common goal. In preparation for the upcoming farm bill renewal, American Farm Bureau Federation’s President Zippy Duval announced AFBF’s priorities.
Key priorities include maintaining farm bill program funding, keeping nutrition and farm programs together, and supporting risk management tools.
The farm bill funding is an investment in some of the most fundamental elements of a strong country, one being a strong food supply. In Duvall’s own words, it’s “the most significant piece of legislation that affects farmers and ranchers across the country.”
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“Since enactment of the 2018 farm bill, farmers have faced significant challenges from market volatility, increased input costs and devastating natural disasters,” Duvall said in a statement.
“Despite these headwinds, farmers and ranchers have met the needs of consumers both here and abroad while continuing to improve our environmental stewardship. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure the appropriate resources are available to craft farm policy that reduces food insecurity, bolsters national security and encourages long-term stability for all of our farm and ranch families.”
AFBF’s priorities include more than 60 recommendations — everything from price increases for commodities, more transparency for milk checks, additional funding for conservation programs, and a robust crop insurance program. The AFBF board of directors voted unanimously to approve the recommendations.
Final approval of policy priorities will be accomplished by a vote of delegates at the AFBF Convention in Puerto Rico in January 2023.
