A coalition of over 125 agricultural, conservation, environment, energy, forestry, human nutrition and rural groups are urging leaders in the U.S. Senate to move forward on the farm bill as soon as possible.
In a letter, the coalition stated, “This is one piece of legislation upon which all Americans depend, urban as well as rural. With limited time remaining before expiration of current program authorities, time is of the essence.”
Those signing the letter included the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Farmland Trust, American Forest Foundation, American Soybean Association, American Sugar Alliance, Ducks Unlimited, National Association of Conservation Districts, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, National Grange, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Renewable Fuels Association and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association. The Senate Agriculture Committee passed the “Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012” on a bipartisan vote the end of April. The House Agriculture Committee is expected to mark up its bill in June. The current farm bill expires Sept. 30.