Ag organizations applaud Trump's signing of Farm Bill

     With President Donald Trump having signed the $867 billion farm bill Dec. 20, several agricultural organizations have weighed in on the positive impact the new farm bill will have on the industry.

     Several of the statements follow.

Mike Naig,

Secretary of Agriculture

     “The Farm Bill provides long-term stability as farmers plan for the next growing season and beyond. To have the certainty that a strong crop insurance program remains in place is critically important as farmers continue to deal with tremendous volatility in both weather and markets. The strong conservation title will ensure USDA remains a key partner as we continue to expand efforts to protect our soil and improve water quality. The bill also maintains important market development programs within USDA and provides new funding for foreign animal disease response efforts, including a vaccine bank for foot and mouth disease, to help protect our critically important livestock industry.

     “I want to thank President Trump for his support for our farmers as he signs the Farm Bill into law. I also want to commend leaders in both the House and Senate who were able to work together to get this bipartisan bill passed so it can be in place before the end of the year.”

Iowa Soybean

Association

     “This is an important day for Iowa and our country. Food security is essential to national security. The farm bill enables farmers to prepare for a new crop year with greater certainty and benefits to consumers.

     “The bill provides much-needed risk management tools for farmers so they remain competitive amidst a distressed agricultural economy. It also comes at a crucial time for farmers who are facing a prolonged period of poor market conditions, extreme weather and an ongoing trade dispute.

     “We welcome the additional funding for the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program and Market Access Program (MAP). This funding is critical at a time of suppressed global market demand for Iowa and U.S. soybean farmers. We must do everything we can to increase market share with current trading partners while developing new relationships and soybean demand.

     “The bill also advances the bipartisan-led Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Improvement Act. It will incentivize rural and urban partnerships to increase adoption of practices improving soil health and water quality. An increase in the enrollment cap for the Conservation Reserve Program will also benefit farmers.

     “Iowa and U.S. farmers excel at producing safe, quality food. The new farm bill is a crucial tool to maintaining our productivity to the benefit of our communities, country and trading partners.”

Iowa Cattlemen’s

Association

     “The Farm Bill offers crucial certainty for Iowa's cattle producers and farmers. We are encouraged to see ICA's priorities addressed, including authorization and funding of a Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine bank, investment in trade promotion and market access, and reauthorization of key conservation programs,” said David Trowbridge, ICA president.

     In an additional release, the ICA said:

     “The bipartisan bill includes funds of $120 million for animal health and disease preparedness. A minimum of $5 million per year allocated to the National Animal Disease Preparedness Program with the remainder given to the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and funding the Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine bank.

     “Additionally, $500 million will be apportioned to the Agricultural Trade Promotion and Facilitation program which includes full funding to the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program. Each will receive a minimum of $200 million and $35.5 million respectively. These funds are crucial in promoting U.S. beef globally and help stretch producer investments in the Beef Checkoff through matching programs.

     “The 2018 Farm Bill also reauthorizes conservation programs, including the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program). While CSP funds were decreased, EQIP got a boost, giving the programs an overall increase in funding. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) got an increased acreage cap, going from 24 million to 27 million acres. A minimum of two million CRP acres will be exclusively for grazing. In order to alleviate negative effects of CRP on production lands, rental rates and incentive payments will be reduced.

     “The 2018 Farm Bill will also maintain research funding. Mandatory funds of $185 million will be given to the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research. It also supports more than $600 million of funding for land grant schools like Iowa State University to continue a variety of research and extension projects.”

Iowa Corn Growers Association (following Dec. 12 passage of bill by Congress, but before Trump signing)

     “Iowa Corn welcomes the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill before the start of the new year,” stated ICGA president Curt Mether.

     “ICGA is pleased to see there were no cuts to the current crop insurance program and a continuation of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). “ICGA also appreciates the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) trade programs will be funded at full levels for the next five years-a huge win for Iowa corn farmers as these fundamental programs support the promotion of corn in all forms in international markets.

     “The Genomes to Phenomes Initiative has been included in the bill as it is essential for Iowa corn farmers in developing new varieties allowing the potential for higher yields. All of these programs are crucial to the success of Iowa’s corn growers and we thank our grower members for your efforts in urging lawmakers to reach a deal before the new year.”