5 Farm Bill Provisions Being Watched By Ag Retailers
Hunter Carpenter with the Ag Retailers Association is cautiously optimistic the Farm Bill will get done this year. But he says right now, everything hinges on the ongoing debt ceiling discussions.
“There's currently an impasse clearly on the hill as to what needs to happen to make sure that the debt ceiling is raised,” Carpenter says. “It really is going to be tough this year with the farm bill coming up right as the debt ceiling discussion hits their deadline. So I am cautiously optimistic that a farm bill can get done this year. We don't want this to leak into 2024 when elections are happening not only at the at the legislative level but also at presidential level. So the biggest thing right now I think on the ag front and DC is we're all pushing to get this done this year.”
In addition to the timing of the Farm Bill, Carpenters says there are five provisions they are advocating for on behalf of ag retailers.
- A continuation of a strong farm safety net and crop insurance.
- Maintain current acreage dedicated to conversation programs.
- Supporting the Increased TSP Access Act
Carpenter explains there was language in the previous farm bill to provide CCAs with accreditation as technical service providers with USDA-NRCS. However, new language would provide key concrete timelines to make this possible and expand the services CCAs can provide (including nutrient stewardship plans) alongside NRCS—which currently has hundreds of openings in key positions. - Biologicals
The previous farm bill started to provide a structure around defining plant biologicals. The efforts can provide for further uniform definitions as well as amending FIFRA to exclude biostimulants. - Support research functions of USDA including the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
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Carpenter is encouraged on another bill, HR 1, the energy bill recently passed by the house.
“We're cautiously optimistic that it will at least get some traction and the Senate I don't foresee a vote anytime soon. But it is great that these discussions are being had on Capitol Hill,” he says. “Energy plays a huge role in the delivery of products for our customers and also the way that ag is intrinsically linked to the energy markets, whether it be with fertilizer or biofuels.”
If retailers have policy or regulatory questions, they can reach out to ARA via the DC Help Desk.
