Bill up for debate, likely to change before passage
By Farms.com
The proposed 2024 Farm Bill offers little change for most farmers but reduces funding for nutrition assistance programs. This has disappointed some advocacy groups who argue for a more forward-thinking approach to agriculture and fairer treatment of all producers.
While the bill passed a committee vote with bipartisan support, many Democrats oppose it due to cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These cuts have led to calls for a more comprehensive farm bill that addresses both farmer needs and food security.
Despite expiring in 2023, the current Farm Bill has been extended until the end of 2024. The proposed 2024 version includes potential incentives for biofuel use and strengthens some safety net programs for farmers. It also eliminates climate change considerations from conservation programs and reduces SNAP benefits.
Farm groups like the American Farm Bureau Federation urge swift passage of the bill, highlighting the challenges posed by pandemics, inflation, and supply chain issues. However, some environmental groups argue the bill does not do enough to address climate change.
Potential changes for farmers include increased compensation for crop losses and higher reference prices for crop insurance. The bill also raises the cap on coverage for dairy insurance.
Opponents argue these changes primarily benefit large-scale commodity crop producers and do little for specialty farms. They also criticize the removal of climate-smart practices from conservation programs.
The proposed bill is expected to undergo significant revisions before final passage. With many Democrats opposed to the current version, changes to SNAP funding and climate considerations are likely.