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Farm Bill could be first big victory for 115th Congress

A senior policy official with the National Farmers Union says passing a new Farm Bill could be the first major win for the 115th Congress.

Rob Larew addressed members of the Minnesota Farmers Union over the weekend.

“But at this point, probably as someone who has been in D.C. too long, I am delusionally optimistic.  It’s probably the only reason I’m still (in Washington).  But I suspect that (the Farm Bill) is one of those pieces that has a lot of bipartisan support.”

He says the Farm Bill presents an opportunity for Congress to move forward on meaningful legislation after months of futility.

“So we’re hopeful that will happen.  Both the House and Senate have been working behind the scenes pretty carefully through the work that you guys have done in presenting your positions to your Congressional delegation.  That’s going to help move this process along.”

Larew presented a list of NFU Farm Bill priorities during the Minnesota convention, with adequate funding, conservation, and support for beginning farmers ranking among the top.