By Scout Nelson
After extensive deliberations, the House Committee on Agriculture has approved a new version of the Farm Bill, a key legislation renewed every five years that shapes U.S. agriculture, food programs, and rural policies.
South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson backed the bill, highlighting his efforts to enhance rural broadband, support tribal sovereignty in SNAP programs, and diversify meat processing beyond the dominant industry giants.
During the discussions, Rep. Johnson pointed out the critical need to expand capacity beyond the major meatpackers through initiatives like the 'A Plus Act' and the 'Butcher Block Act'.
The bill has sparked controversy due to significant reductions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and shifts in conservation funding to direct producer support, a move criticized by experts like Evert Van der Sluis from South Dakota State University.
While there is bipartisan agreement on increasing safety nets for large-scale producers by adjusting reference prices, which particularly benefits growers in the South, critics argue that it disadvantages Midwestern farmers.
As the bill progresses, the Senate's response is still to come, promising more discussions on this important law.
Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle