Washington, D.C. (December 12, 2018) – The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) applauds the Senate and House of Representatives for their quick action and bipartisan votes on the Farm Bill conference report, and call on President Trump to sign the bill into law as quickly as possible.

“Historically low prices, trade instability, and the current weather challenges are all weighing heavily on the minds of growers,” stated NAWG President and Sentinel, OK wheat farmer Jimmie Musick. “The 2018 farm bill provides the certainty they need to get through these arduous times and many of the programs within the bill can help growers stay in business.”

NAWG applauds the committee for maintaining a strong crop insurance title and supports the language allowing for producer choice between Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). NAWG appreciates the Committee recognizing the importance of using consistent data in determining farm program payments, while making RMA data its primary source, and for making improvements to both ARC and PLC.

“Many producers own multi-generational farms and want our children to be able to thrive on the land more than we did,” continued Musick. “This means leaving it healthier and better than when we received it and incorporating good stewardship practices into our operations. The farm bill helps growers achieve this goal by supporting investment in conservation tools and wheat research.”

Additionally, NAWG is pleased to see that the conference report increases funding for research of Fusarium head blight to the amount of $15 million for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.

“The United States exports 50% of its wheat, making trade a vital component of the wheat industry,” continued Musick. “NAWG is pleased to see that the conference report renews funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program. We also support statements made by U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) on both programs and appreciate their work to make these programs successful for wheat.”

“NAWG commends the House and Senate for quickly voting on the bill and passing it out of their respective Chambers with strong bipartisan support,” concluded Musick. “We urge President Trump to support this bill and sign it into law.”

About NAWG
NAWG is the primary policy representative in Washington D.C. for wheat growers, working to ensure a better future for America’s growers, the industry and the general public. NAWG works with a team of 21 state wheat grower organizations to benefit the wheat industry at the national levels. From their offices in the Wheat Growers Building on Capitol Hill, NAWG’s staff members are in constant contact with state association representatives, NAWG grower leaders, Members of Congress, Congressional staff members, Administration officials and the public.