News
Optimistic about a farm bill
Roughly 50 farmers from around the state met with Senator Richard Lugar in Washington, DC this week. During a Q and A session with the Senator – the farm bill was top of mind for most.
Senator Lugar says it’s still possible that agriculture will see a farm bill this year. “It’s still a longshot, but the leadership in the committees has to be optimistic by having hearings and drawing the attention of its members.” But, Lugar says, “It will be a game of wait and see.”
Lugar tells Brownfield there are some definite things farmers are looking for in the next farm bill. “They like the idea of crop insurance or whole farm insurance,” he says. “They want a safety net. It’s pretty basic.” “Beyond that,” Lugar states, “The farm bill has all the nutrition programs and people will questions about its cost and how it fits into the overall budget of the country.”
He says there is a viable farm bill option on the table if Congress is interested, the REFRESH Act that he and Indiana Representative Marlin Stutzman introduced last fall.
Add Comment