As we get ready to move into the summer growing season, we know that there is a deadline looming large, and that is the Farm Bill. Every five years, congress sets the funding and policy for the agriculture and food sectors. It?s safety net guidelines, SNAP benefits, rural funding, and much more that affect the lives of every American.
The last two farm bills have either gone down to the wire, or beyond the finish line before they were passed. While this isn?t ideal, one person who used to be at the forefront of Farm Bill discussions says that it isn?t like the system will collapse without the Farm Bill being done on time. An extension is easy to put in place to tide things over while the particulars are worked out on a new bill.
Former Minnesota Congressman and House Ag Committee Chairman Collin Peterson was on hand at the USMEF meetings last week in Minneapolis, and he shared his insights into the balancing act that is Farm Bill negotiations. Peterson talks about what an extension of the Farm Bill would mean right now.
Peterson says that the biggest hurdle this Farm Bill will face is where the funding will come from.
Another concern is the number of representatives and senators that have yet to vote on a Farm Bill. Peterson talks about how important it will be to educate these people.
