Farm, conservation, forestry and rural development groups came together to urge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring the Senate Ag Committee-approved farm bill to the floor for consideration as quickly as possible. The letter says stakeholders need to know the details of the programs that will be in effect in 2013 as soon as possible. It also states that timely action will enhance prospects for completing a new measure this year rather than requiring an extension of current program authorities. The letter points out that this is one pieces of legislation that all Americans – urban and rural – depend on.
More than 100 groups – including the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union – signed onto the letter sent late Friday. Not included were key cotton, rice, peanut and anti-hunger groups who have complained the bill does not meet their needs.
Source: NAFB News Service