AFBF President Advocates for Modernized Agriculture Policy
Addressing the Senate Agriculture Committee, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall highlighted the pressing challenges faced by U.S. farmers and the urgent need for legislative action.
Duvall's testimony underscored the importance of passing a modernized farm bill and enhancing trade agreements to provide stability and growth opportunities in the agricultural sector.
During the hearing, Duvall expressed gratitude for the economic assistance and emergency aid included in the recent Continuing Resolution but emphasized that it was not sufficient. He advocated for a comprehensive, five-year farm bill to provide long-term support to farm families struggling with financial hardships exacerbated by current market conditions and high production costs.
The discussion also touched on the critical role of open trading markets. Duvall pointed out the adverse impact of tariffs and limited market access on U.S. agriculture, particularly highlighting the dependency on imported potash from Canada, which is crucial for crop production.
Senators engaged with Duvall on various issues, including the challenges of accessing operating loans and the complexities of the farm safety net. Duvall argued for simplifying risk management programs to make them more accessible, especially for smaller, family-run farms. He stated, "Any farmer out there that’s putting a crop in the land, and depending on the good Lord to give him things to grow it with, and with the markets like they are deserve to have some risk management program."
The hearing served as a platform for farm leaders to voice the realities of the agricultural economy and the need for policies that reflect the modern challenges of farming. It highlighted the intersection of policy, science, and market dynamics in shaping the future of U.S. agriculture.