Farm Bill Will Move in May

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) said he will move a bipartisan farm gill out of his committee in May. The committee’s ranking member, David Scott (D-GA), said the legislation will move on a joint timeline, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) reports in Capital Update.

“One of the sticking points that has prevented action on the House’s five-year agricultural blueprint — changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — appears to be resolved. Thompson indicates there will be “no cuts to benefits,” something panel Democrats vehemently opposed. He wants to make changes in how benefits are adjusted, at which Democrats also have balked,” NPPC writes.

NPPC said they want a new farm gill approved as soon as possible and supports legislation that includes robust funding for foreign animal disease preparedness and addresses the challenges presented by California Proposition 12. NPPC also wants increased funds for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development export promotion programs.

“The Farm Bill sets farm, conservation, forestry and nutrition policy and authorizes various agricultural programs, including ones related to FAD preparation and prevention and export promotion,” NPPC writes.