WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew today released the following statement after the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry failed to advance the farm bill:
“Family farmers can’t afford more delay, so it’s disappointing that the Senate Agriculture Committee did not come to an agreement on the farm bill.
“Family farmers and ranchers need the right farm bill – one that addresses today’s challenges and anticipates future needs. That means a farm safety net that accounts for high input costs and persistently low prices, along with stronger conservation funding and real protections against corporate monopolies.
“We saw some encouraging signs of bipartisanship through this process. The committee voted overwhelmingly to reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling and adopted an amendment funding local food procurement programs. The bill also included year-round, nationwide sale of E15, a change that will benefit both farmers and consumers.
“It is essential that lawmakers work together to get a strong farm bill signed into law. Congress is running out of time to get this done. In the weeks ahead, Farmers Union members will continue pushing for farm and food policy improvements to help everyone in our communities.”
