Why Congress Must Pass a Budget for the USDA to Write a New Farm Bill

The Importance of a Budget for Technical Assistance

Amid the turmoil on Capitol Hill, a top USDA official emphasized the immediate need for Congress to pass a budget. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small explained that without a budget, providing the necessary technical assistance to pass a farm bill would be exceptionally challenging. In an interview on Agri-Pulse Newsmakers, Torres Small highlighted the importance of Congress’s role in passing a budget to facilitate the writing of a new farm bill.

The Inflation Reduction Act and Conservation Funding

During the interview, Torres Small discussed the Inflation Reduction Act‘s significant funding of nearly $20 billion for conservation. She expressed the department’s efforts to hire thousands of new employees. The debates surrounding the farm bill centered on whether the IRA funding should be restricted to climate-smart practices or if it could be used for a wider variety of on-farm practices. Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow favored the former, while committee Ranking Member John Boozman advocated for the latter.

The Benefits of IRA Funding for Farmers

Torres Small emphasized that IRA funding is a continued investment in programs that farmers already value. It provides support for climate change mitigation, drought resilience, wildfire prevention, and the development of agricultural marketplaces. By bringing the IRA funding into the farm bill baseline, farmers can benefit from a wider range of practices and receive proper recognition for their efforts.

Support for Conservation Programs

John Weber of Monument Advocacy also shared his perspective on the popularity of conservation programs among farmers. He mentioned that programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) have always been highly sought after by producers, highlighting the importance of continuing these initiatives within the new farm bill.

The House Republican Conference and the Speaker Race

Danielle Beck of Invariant discussed the future of the House Republican Conference amid the ongoing speaker race. While this topic is not directly related to the farm bill, it provides insight into the broader political landscape that will influence the bill’s progress.

Access the Full Conversations

The full conversations with Deputy Secretary Torres Small, John Weber of Monument Advocacy, and Danielle Beck of Invariant can be found on Agri-Pulse.com. Explore these interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the topics discussed and their implications for the agricultural sector.

Read More of this Story at www.agri-pulse.com – 2023-10-13 19:43:08

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