Farm bill urged by 300+ groups for economic relief

By Blake Jackson

Facing worsening economic conditions, over 300 national and state organizations, including the Kentucky Corn Growers Association, have urged congressional leaders to pass the farm bill by the end of the year.

These signatories, representing farmers, livestock producers, specialty crop growers, and financial stakeholders, emphasize the urgent need for legislative action to strengthen the agricultural safety net.

In a letter addressed to Congress, the groups stress that many producers are enduring several years of financial losses, exacerbating their overall economic challenges. "It is critical that Congress pass a new farm bill that strengthens the safety net as many producers are facing multiple years of not being profitable, and this is causing their overall financial situation to deteriorate," the letter states. It warns that some farmers may struggle to secure operating credit for the 2025 crop year.

The farm bill, typically renewed every five years, supports U.S. farmers, ranchers, and forest stewards through various safety net, credit, conservation, and essential programs.

Originally set for reauthorization in 2023, Congress extended the existing legislation until September 30, 2024. Since then, Senate and House Agriculture Committee leaders from both parties have been working to advance the new bill.

The delay in passing the farm bill has compounded challenges for producers, who are grappling with extreme weather, high input costs, global demand uncertainties, and supply chain disruptions.

The letter highlights that since the 2018 Farm Bill, gaps in the safety net have widened due to issues like the trade war with China, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, COVID-19, rising foreign subsidies, and other factors. "Since the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law, we have realized considerable gaps in the farm safety net due to sharply changing conditions," it notes.

With 2024 crop prices below production costs and a bleak outlook for 2025, the letter urges Congress to use the farm bill reauthorization to address these critical challenges.

"A durable farm safety net, along with risk management tools like a strong federal crop insurance program, voluntary and locally led incentive-based conservation programs, and enhanced international marketing and promotion programs, will be critical in shoring up America’s farm families and rural communities," the letter said.