Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext 1025
LYONS, NEBRASKA – This morning, news of a compromise among farm bill negotiators has Center for Rural Affairs Policy Manager Anna Johnson eager to see the results. She says there’s a lot at stake for rural America.
“Farmers, ranchers, and rural communities deserve a strong farm bill that provides support for our farms, ranches, and rural communities,” Johnson said. “Since the 2014 farm bill expired on Sept. 30, several conservation, beginning farmer, and rural economic vitality programs have been in limbo, and we eagerly await the details of a farm bill deal."
Johnson believes several programs and policies are essential for this outcome. She said:
- “A farm bill that closes loopholes in program payments and brings greater fairness to commodity programs would allow better use of taxpayer dollars.
- Programs such as the Conservation Stewardship Program offer farmers and ranchers a path to continue responsibly taking care of their land, and bring vitality to rural economies and communities.
- Finally, programs such as the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program and the Value-Added Producer Grants Program provide pathways for farmers to develop and grow their businesses.”
“We hope that Congressional leadership has found a final farm bill deal that supports and funds these needed policies and programs,” Johnson said.
