A coalition of farm advocacy groups have written to Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) expressing worry about the House’s farm bill that splits farm legislation from nutritional subsidies.
After more than a year of delay, House Republicans finally broke through congressional gridlock, passing a new five-year farm bill. While passing a bill is a major milestone in a legislative body that has consistently blocked and defeated vital farm legislation for more than a year, many farm advocacy groups are worried about the potential impact of the House bill.
In particular, these groups are worried about the potential consequences of breaking up an agricultural coalition that has existed for nearly sixty years. Nutritional subsidies, some farm advocates say, attract urban and coastal representatives, giving them incentives to support rural protections.
“If you look at representation in Congress, we need support from urban legislators to pass a farm bill,” said the executive director of the South Texas Cotton and Grain Association. “Typically the way we’ve garnered that support is by also having nutrition title in it.”
While some farm groups are worried, it is very unlikely that the House bill will pass the Senate or be signed into law by President Obama.
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer