Op-Ed: National Grange President Christine E. Hamp weighs in on farm bill

by: Morning Ag clips

WASHINGTON — The failure of Congress to pass a new farm bill—or even extend the current one—is not just political gamesmanship; it’s a devastating blow to farmers, rural communities, those living in poverty, and ultimately all Americans. As the National Grange President, I am profoundly disappointed by Congress’s inability to unite and renew this critical piece of legislation. The consequences of this inaction are far-reaching, and the ripple effects will be felt across our nation, from the most rural areas to our largest cities.

Farmers are the backbone of our nation’s food system, and when a farm bill lapses, so too does the certainty farmers need to plan for the future. The 2018 farm bill was a comprehensive bipartisan piece of legislation that included provisions for crop insurance, conservation programs, and disaster relief—all of which provided a safety net to farmers facing volatile markets and unpredictable weather. With its expiration, farmers now face increased uncertainty, which can lead to reduced food production and higher consumer prices.

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