Ag Groups React to Farm Bill Conference Report

Cindy Zimmerman

House and Senate agriculture leaders on Monday released their conference report on a new five-year farm bill that pleases some agricultural interests who just want to get it done, but distressed others.

2014-farm-billAccording to a news release from the House Agriculture Committee, the compromise bill “contains major reforms, including eliminating the direct payments program, streamlining and consolidating numerous programs to improve their effectiveness and reduce duplication, and cutting down on program misuse” but provided few details.

Most reaction to the report so far has been negative, but the American Soybean Association supports it. “This has been a trying process to be sure, but we think that through it all, the conferees and their leadership have produced a framework that will serve the best interests of soybean farmers,” said Ray Gaesser, ASA President and farmer from Corning, Iowa.

National Farmers Union president Roger Johnson says they are pleased with their initial review of the compromise but notes that the board will consider it in more detail “comparing it to the priorities that we have put forward to all members of Congress.”

Coming out strongly against the bill are the livestock and poultry industries. The American Meat Institute, National Cattleman’s Beef Association, National Chicken Council, and National Pork Producers Council already sent a letter to Congressional leadership expressing concerns about GIPSA and COOL provisions in the bill. NCBA and NPPC are holding a media call Tuesday morning at 10 am Eastern to talk about their concerns.

Even one of the conference committee members is disappointed with the outcome. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) says he will oppose the final report “because it is not market-oriented or forward looking and is too costly for the taxpayer.”

As to the contentious dairy program, the National Milk Producers Federation is not completely satisfied with the final plan, but is willing to accept it. “Despite its limitations, we believe the revised program will help address the volatility in farmers’ milk prices, as well as feed costs, and provide appropriate signals to help address supply and demand,” said NMPF president and CEO Jim Mulhern.

More reaction is expected as agricultural groups plow through the details. Leadership is hoping to bring the compromise to the floor of both houses for a vote this week.

Ag Groups, Farm Bill