A new farm bill, and the energy programs that come along with it, are desperately needed in the rural community, farm advocates say. Another year without a permanent farm bill could be devastating to agricultural communities across the country.
For two years, the farm bill has been stalled in Congress. While previous farm bills have hit temporary roadblocks (which Congress has solved by passing temporary extensions), most farm officials say they cannot remember a farm bill debate the lasted two congressional sessions.
Despite pressure from rural Americans and farm advocacy organizations, the 2013 Farm Bill appears dead in the water. While both the House and Senate passed versions of the bill, the differences between these bills seems too great for the congressional conference committee to overcome, leaving farmers with the prospect of yet another temporary extension of the 2007 bill.
But a new five-year bill is needed according to rural politicians and renewable energy advocates. The Senate farm bill, for example, offers $900 million in mandatory energy program funding, offers subsidies for biofuel programs and renewable energy production, and offers grants and loans for small business energy programs.
Without this funding, many farmers may see their fuel and energy costs skyrocket, increasing operating costs and increasing prices for consumers.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer