Washington, D.C. (June 28, 2018) – Today, with a vote of 86-11, the U.S. Senate passed its version of the 2018 Farm Bill out of Chamber. In response, NAWG President Jimmie Musick made the following statement:
“NAWG commends the Senate for working together in a bipartisan fashion to move the Farm Bill forward, out of the chamber and on to conference. It’s vital for a final Farm Bill to be reauthorized before the September 30th deadline, so that farmers can have certainty that a safety net and strong risk management tools will continue to be in place during these uncertain economic times in farm country.
“Crop insurance is a unique risk management tool available for farmers and ranchers. NAWG continues to advocate for a strong crop insurance program and continued choice between ARC and PLC in the final version of the bill.
“NAWG continues to support Farm Bill provisions that provide financial incentives for farmers to adopt conservation practices into their operations. We applaud reauthorization of both the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), as these programs both serve as important function in helping farmers to implement conservation techniques on operations across the country.
“NAWG is pleased that the legislation reauthorizes and funds the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program and will continue to advocate for increased resources for both. Additionally, we continue to support and encourage a strong research title and appreciate that the Senate bill authorizes increased funding for the Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative.
“NAWG calls for a speedy conference and for the conferees to be chosen quickly. We look forward to continuing to work with members in the House and Senate to advocate for wheat farmers as both versions of the Farm Bill go on to conference.”
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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.