Rice Producers Continue Push for Improved Farm Bill

Following up on communications among rice producers and their elected representatives at home during Congress’ annual August District Work Period, representatives of USRPA and a long list of other farm organizations renewed advocacy in Congress this week to push for a new and improved farm bill.

More than 250 Organizations Call for a New Farm Bill

On Monday September 9, both the House and Senate returned to Washington, DC for three weeks before the end of the fiscal year. Waiting in Congress’ inbox was a letter signed by USRPA and more than 250 other agricultural organizations “in support of advancing a meaningful farm bill in 2024 that addresses worsening conditions in farm country. … It is imperative Congress act before year’s end to strengthen farm policy for America’s farmers.” The letter goes on to explain “Farmers are struggling, and the decline in the farm economy is real. Estimated 2024 net farm income for U.S. agriculture is projected to be down $55.61 billion, a more than 27% drop from the 2022 level, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Despite these factors, USDA projects that federal support for production agriculture in 2024 will be at its lowest since 1982. …Congress must act before year’s end to strengthen farm policy for America’s farmers, and we remain committed to assisting in this effort.” The entire letter and its signatory organizations can be found here.

Rice Producers and Others Take the Campaign to the Hill

Coinciding with Congress’ return to DC and the delivery of the ag industry letter calling for a new farm bill, representatives of USRPA and many other farm organizations were on the Hill urging Congress to pass a farm bill this year. Currently, the 2018 Farm Bill is operating under a one-year extension which expires at the end of September. The outreach is intended to continue to encourage Congress to act on a farm bill reauthorization and to highlight current farm conditions. A recent USDA report forecasts a 6.8% decline in net farm income in 2024. The income decline coupled with high input costs will exacerbate credit needs. Bankers, commodity groups, and general farm organizations were participating in the outreach outlining their concerns including the need for an improved farm bill, challenging credit conditions, and the need for disaster assistance.

Information gathered at the meetings indicate that the outlook for completing a farm bill before Congress recesses at the end of the month is highly unlikely. The Congressional schedule is short and Members and Senators are anxious to return home and get on the campaign trail for their final push before the November elections. Although pressure has been building on Congress to complete the farm bill, it is generally acknowledged that although September 30 is when the current extension expires, many in Congress view the “real” deadline as the end of 2024. As of now, it is expected that the farm bill will expire (for the second year in a row) at the end of this month.

September Congressional Goal is to Avoid a Government Shutdown

Despite the languishing of the Farm Bill since it expired in September 2023, Congress’ main priority during its September “work period” will be passing a continuing resolution to temporarily fund the government and avoid a government shutdown at the end of the month. Negotiations will continue as the shutdown deadline approaches, and there is still optimism that a shutdown can be avoided. Once that is accomplished, Senators and House Members will vacate Washington to return to their districts ahead of the election this November.

Farm Bill Consideration in the “Lame Duck” Congressional Session?

Congress will need to consider whether to extend the current farm bill, write an improved farm bill reauthorization, and/or to provide other farm assistance when they return after the November elections, during the lame duck session. Whether an extension or full reauthorization gains serious consideration will largely be determined by the dynamics resulting from the November election. We now have a Republican House of Representatives with a Democratic Senate and Democratic executive branch. A change in control for any of these institutions will dictate a dynamic which may ease the path for a reauthorization or make it more difficult.

Whatever the situation, USRPA and its representatives will continue pushing for the enactment of an improved farm bill safety net and enhanced support for rice producers in our farm and export programs.