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Boozman, Klobuchar raise concerns about farm economy

Leaders of the U.S. Senate Ag Committee say they’re concerned about the financial stress facing farmers.

“If you’re putting something in the ground, you are probably losing money,” said Chairman John Boozman on Tuesday.

The Arkansas Republican says row crops are not currently profitable. He says it’s having a major impact in his state.

“Arkansas now holds the unfortunate distinction of leading the nation in Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies,” Boozman said. “A sobering statistic. I remain committed with my colleagues to pursue additional financial assistance for our farmers to lengthen and widen the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.”

Ranking member Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, said authorizing a federal E15 bill and boosting domestic production of sustainable aviation fuel would provide some relief.

“These opportunities provide farmers with innovative sources of revenue amidst a difficult farm economy,” Klobuchar said. “The chaos caused by our tariff and trade policy is causing many, many issues.”

Klobuchar also said a bipartisan five-year farm bill could give farmers reliable access to credit, modernized conservation programs, and new uses for their products.