Central Missouri News

Today, U.S. Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04), along with Representatives Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Mary Miller (IL-15), and Jen Kiggans (VA-02), led a majority of the House Republican Conference in urging House GOP Leadership to prioritize the Farm Bill this year. The letter, signed by 140 Members, emphasizes the need for updated policies to support production agriculture and rural America.

The letter highlights that farmers, ranchers, and producers are still operating under outdated policies from the 2018 Farm Bill. "Farmers and ranchers do not have the luxury of waiting until next Congress for the enactment of an effective farm bill," said the Members. They noted that inflation has driven production costs to record highs while commodity prices have fallen significantly, creating financial pressure on farm families. Farm debt has reached $540 billion, its highest level ever when adjusted for inflation.

The Members argue that the 118th Congress has an opportunity to support producers and rural communities by passing H.R. 8467—The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024. This bipartisan bill was advanced by the House Committee on Agriculture on May 24th.

Failure to act could negatively impact Main Street businesses, rural communities, and the national economy. "We respectfully urge that the enactment of H.R. 8467, or similar legislation that makes meaningful investments in farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, is among the top priorities of the Republican Conference," concluded the Members.

Congressman Alford expressed his commitment: "We passed H.R. 8467 out of committee, and now it is time to give it to America." He emphasized that producers need certainty and support now due to rising production costs and declining farm income.

Congresswoman Hinson also stressed urgency: "I led 139 of my colleagues – the majority of the House Republican Conference – in calling for Republican House leadership to bring the Farm Bill up for a vote as soon as possible." She believes that food security is national security and will continue advocating for a strong Farm Bill.

In addition to Representatives Alford, Hinson, Miller, and Kiggans, numerous other U.S. Representatives signed the letter.

The current Farm Bill legislation affects all sectors of agriculture for a five-year period. The most recent bill was passed in 2018 and extended in 2023 but expires this year. On May 24, 2024, the House Agriculture Committee passed new legislation aimed at reauthorizing these critical policies.