Wednesday afternoon, Congress passed the newest version of the Farm Bill and it is now headed to the President’s desk for signature.
“It’s probably a matter of life and death on a lot of farms,” says Bob Thompson, President of the Michigan Farmer’s Union.
A fully funded Farm Bill has repeatedly allowed support for those growing everything we need.
“We grow some of everything and it’s a very important part of our economy,” says US Senator Debbie Stabenow, the leading driver for the bill.
The newest version of the bill passed with record amounts of bipartisan support in Washington and near unanimous support on farms across the country.
“The stability of this Farm Bill and the certainty of the programs over the next five years will make a tremendous difference to a lot of farm families,” says Thompson.
The 12 titles in the bill will create a safety net for farmers, insurance for them to know their work to grow America’s food will have a market to sell and motivation to keep going.
“We want farmers to be able to sell around the world and back at home,” says Stabenow.
A healthy farming community keeps prices low for everyone.
“Consumers would likely see a much deeper price at the end of that tunnel because of the fact there would be so few providers,” says Thompson.
As you dig into the bill, it’s more than just aid for farmers, it’s a rural living support piece. Also funding broadband internet, energy and food services for rural families.
“Every community outside of our larger cities benefits,” says Stabenow.
The success of the farming community means the success of our society so when times get tough, they are relieved to have the help.
“Farmers do not want payments,” says Thompson, “They take them only when they need them and unfortunately we’ve been in a need basis for several years.”
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