Washington, D.C. (June 13, 2018) – Today, the Senate Committee on Agriculture marked-up its version of the 2018 Farm Bill. In response, NAWG President Jimmie Musick made the following statement:
“NAWG commends the Senate Agriculture Committee for working together to move the Farm Bill forward and out of Committee. It’s vital for the bill to be reauthorized before the September 30th deadline, so that farmers can have access to these beneficial programs.
“NAWG is pleased that the Committee accepted language to allow trade promotion dollars from Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) to be used in Cuba. Cuba is a growing market for U.S. wheat growers and these programs help strengthen this partnership.
“NAWG also supports the Senate Ag passing language to strengthen the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA)’s loan programs. FSA loan programs help growers access financing at a time when they are experiencing extreme low prices and high input costs. The Committee also accepted several amendments addressing wetlands compliance which provide more flexibility for growers.
“As the Bill moves to the Senate floor, NAWG will continue to make maintaining a strong crop insurance program a top priority. Wheat growers want a well-rounded Farm Bill with a strong safety net program that allows for producer choice between revenue-based (Agriculture Risk Coverage) and price-based (Price Loss Coverage) coverage.
“Additionally, NAWG supports provisions that provide financial incentives for farmers to adopt conservation practices into their operations. We also appreciate the Committee’s commitment to a strong research title and support the bill’s reauthorization of the Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative and other important research programs which will help wheat growers continue to produce the highest quality crop.”
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About NAWG
NAWG is the primary 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 state and 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 and the public.