Farm Bureau Encourages Senate Passage of Reconciliation Package Including Economic Aid

Following the U.S. House of Representative's approval of a budget resolution that includes $12 billion in much-needed economic aid for farmers and ranchers, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall sent a letter today to Senate leadership encouraging the chamber to advance the budget resolution.

"Due to persistent financial challenges across the agricultural economy, the President has called on Congress to deliver additional farmer assistance this year, and the House of Representatives answered the call with $12 billion for U.S. agriculture in reconciliation," Duvall wrote in the letter. "American Farm Bureau Federation supports the advancement of this Budget Resolution in the Senate, which will provide critical relief to enhance the farm safety net.

"We are grateful to the House for acting to deliver needed relief for agriculture, and for the Senate's consideration of this Budget Resolution. We recognize that the cumulative losses for agriculture due to sustained economic pressures far exceed $12 billion and urge continued work to address these losses."

The letter also details some of the factors influencing the farm economy, including historic inflation in production expenses and persistently low commodity prices.

"These factors have contributed to multiple years of losses for U.S. agriculture, which has made it increasingly difficult for farm families to stay afloat," Duvall wrote. "U.S. agriculture delivers the food, fuel, and fiber that Americans rely on every day. Farmers are leaders in their communities and serve as the backbone of America, boosting our rural economy and protecting our food supply. We greatly appreciate your continued leadership and support of American agriculture, and we respectfully urge your support to bring relief for farmers and ranchers during this prolonged downturn in the farm economy."

Read full text of the letter here.

Press Contacts

Mike Tomko
Director, Communications
(202) 406-3642
[email protected]

Bailey Corwine
Communications Manager
(202) 406-3643
[email protected]