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CRP, market competition, crop insurance, among farm bill listening session topics

Competition for farmland, market concentration, and protecting the crop safety net were among issues brought forward during a farm bill listening session hosted by House Agriculture Committee chair Glenn “GT” Thompson in southwest Minnesota Wednesday. 

Minnesota Farm Bureau president Dan Glessing told Thompson and several members of the House Ag Committee he’s concerned the Conservation Reserve Program is taking productive farmland out of production.

“Certainly the rates are becoming concerning to farmers, it’s a competition for that land. And particularly young farmers.”

Minnesota Farmers Union president Gary Wertish said the next farm bill needs to address market competition in agriculture.

“Whether you’re selling your livestock to three or four packers, or buying your equipment from a couple like three major companies, seed, all the way down the line.”

Minnesota Corn Growers Association president Richard Syverson asked lawmakers to protect safety nets.

“As you craft this 2023 Farm Bill, please first do no harm to crop insurance.”

Chairman Thompson closed the 51st farm bill listening session he’s hosted by saying the clock is ticking.

“We’re starting to write, so I encourage you to give input very quickly.”

The current farm bill expires September 30^th.