By Blake Jackson
The upcoming farm bill extension is under scrutiny, with approximately $10 billion in farming subsidies at risk of being cut. This news has sparked significant concern among farmers, especially in Missouri, prompting thousands of calls to lawmakers from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). President Zippy Duvall of the AFBF has urged lawmakers to put aside political differences and secure the vital funding needed by struggling farmers. “Our national security is at risk, the cost of being able to buy food for our families or at risk, and our farm families who have been there for generations…is at risk,” said Duvall.
In Missouri, farmers are feeling the pressure, with some even being forced to cease operations. According to Duvall, as many as 150,000 farmers across the country have been unable to continue their work in recent years due to financial strain. Duvall emphasized that the loss of farm operations could jeopardize national security and food availability for American families.
In addition, National Black Farmers Association President John Boyd has raised concerns about the disproportionate impact on Black farmers. “It’s troubling” said Boyd. “America’s farmers are hurting and America’s black farmers are hurting more.”
Missouri lawmakers are also working to pass a short-term spending package, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) facing a Friday deadline before Congress adjourns for the Christmas break. “This is time for people, with an IQ, of above room temperature, to sit down and work things out for the American people,” said Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.). “The farmers in the state of Missouri would like for us to pass that bill.”
While some Republicans are resistant to increased spending, fearing the growth of the federal deficit, Representative Pete Sessions (R-Texas) expressed his support for economic assistance for farmers. Sessions has not specified whether he supports the $10 billion in subsidies, but he affirmed that he would back whatever amount is deemed necessary by the House Agriculture Committee.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-milos-cirkovic
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy