Over 500 organizations and companies representing a wide range of Farm Bill stakeholders — including agriculture, nutrition, conservation, environmental, and rural development sectors — have submitted a letter urging Congress to pass a 2024 farm bill before the end of the year.
“Every hour, we lose approximately 150 acres of natural land and 85 acres of farmland and ranchland to development,” said Lori Faeth, senior director of government relations for the Land Trust Alliance, on of the organizations that has signed the letter. “Farm Bill conservation programs are the largest single federal funding source for private land conservation, and it is crucial to help farmers, ranchers, and foresters conserve and enhance their working lands. We hope to work with both the House and Senate to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill this year for the benefit of all Americans.”
The letter was sent this week to House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Agriculture Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson, House Agriculture Ranking Member David Scott, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Agriculture Chair Debbie Stabenow, and Senate Agriculture Ranking Member John Boozman.
The farm bill expired in 2023, but Congress voted to extend the current iteration for one year — until September 30. Since then, many farm bill programs have been in limbo.
The new letter outlines the consequences of failing to pass a farm bill this year, stating:
“Millions of Americans rely daily on the provisions of the Farm Bill to produce food, fiber, and fuel; feed their families and others around the world; voluntarily conserve fish and wildlife and their habitat; provide sustainable solutions for clean air and water; offer a producer safety net; facilitate international trade; create local jobs and robust economies; and support rural development nationwide.
“If Congress does not enact a bipartisan Farm Bill this year, the legislative process will begin anew in the 119th Congress. Stakeholders note that given the significant legislative and administrative duties of a new Congress, including seating new leadership and committees, Senate nominations, and other essential actions during the first months of the 119th Congress, it may not be feasible to advance a new Farm Bill early in the next Congress.”
In a news release, the Land Trust Alliance added: “As committed stakeholders and beneficiaries of the farm bill, we cannot continue to wait for updated policies, provisions, initiatives, and critical funding that support our collective interests.”