Why the Time Is Now To Protect Specialty Crops
January 9, 2024 When every farm bill expires, U.S. agriculture unifies around a common message: “We need a new bill.” In general, a majority in the House and Senate even agree that a bipartisan bill that addresses the needs of both producers and consumers and provides long-term certainty is a positive for the country.
Unfortunately, that’s about where the agreement ends. As we enter the new year, the challenges that led to a House Speaker being removed also precluded bringing a 2023 Farm Bill to the House floor. Now our attention is focused on a 2024 Farm Bill (fingers crossed!).
The new year won’t solve the math of either the House or Senate. The tiny majorities for the Republicans in the House and the Democrats in the Senate require bipartisanship to move legislation. Unfortunately, certain factions are operating as if they have a 30- or 40-seat majority. Reality does not support those beliefs.
Old Farm Bill Still Going
In November, Congress was able to come together to pass a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, lasting through Sept. 30, 2024. In doing so they fully funded a number of key ‘orphan’ programs that ran dry when the bill expired on Sept. 30, 2023.
The four leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees released a joint statement on the extension:
“As negotiations on funding the government progress, we were able to come together to avoid a lapse in funding for critical agricultural programs and provide certainty to producers. This extension is in no way a substitute for passing a five-year farm bill, and we remain committed to working together to get it done next year.”
Historically, the farm bill has been legislation that can generate bipartisan cooperation. We hope and expect that Congress will hold to that precedent and pass a new bill that meets the future challenges for American growers and supports the needs of global consumers.
Over the past year, we at the National Potato Council have personally met with House and Senate Ag Committee leaders and key staff to communicate the need for a farm bill. One that benefits specialty crop growers and continues research, trade, nutrition, and other programs that support the long-term health of the U.S. potato industry. Each five-year farm bill creates the foundation for countless federal programs and policies, and we are committed to working with our allies in Congress to get the next farm bill right.
Specialty Crop Negotiations Can’t Be Lost
Before those Congressional meetings took place, NPC negotiated with our colleagues as a co-chair of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA). This national coalition of over 200 organizations advocating for U.S. specialty crops has delivered billions of dollars in farm bill programs since it began nearly 20 years ago.
Thousands of hours of negotiations under the SCFBA banner were necessary before our industry reached agreement on enhancements to U.S. agriculture policy. NPC is committed to ensuring this powerful coalition remains unified, as it represents a diverse sector of U.S. agriculture with a farm gate value of $64.7 billion. If we can maintain our cohesion, this coalition’s diversity becomes a political strength that reaches into every corner of the country with a direct line to consumers.
Throughout 2023, Members of Congress in both the House and Senate took action on SCFBA recommendations by introducing bills intended to be incorporated into a new farm bill. Those bills seek to enhance specialty crop producers’ access to vital risk management tools, expand market opportunities, protect from pest and disease threats, deliver cutting-edge research, and prioritize Americans’ nutrition.
Through our efforts that began at the Potato Expo in Anaheim, CA, in January 2022, we continue pushing for a farm bill designed for the future. Delivering on that promise will enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crop growers and provide nutritional benefits for consumers they serve.
Join us at NPC’s 2024 Washington Summit, Feb. 16 to March 1, where we’ll communicate our support for a bipartisan farm bill and other key policy priorities with your elected representatives on Capitol Hill and the Biden Administration. Learn more and register to attend at NationalPotatoCouncil.org.
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