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Stabenow: farmers, rural communities need certainty, and a farm bill does that

The Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Ag Committee says finalizing a bipartisan farm bill provides certainty for rural America.

Debbie Stabenow told attendees of the Rural Communities in Action Event if farmers are successful, their communities are, too. “We’re strengthening the farm safety net, which is so important, by making meaningful investments that frankly focus our tax dollars on American farmers that have dirt under their fingernails,” she says.  “Not Wall Street bankers and foreign investors.”

She says it’s important that a five-year farm bill also brings support to areas outside of farming, and she’s optimistic Congress can still get it passed yet this year. “Let’s bring the whole coalition together and talk about how we’re going to lift up communities and families, and our farmers,” she says.  “Farmers have the riskiest business in the world.  Nobody has to watch the weather like they do and nobody’s been slammed more on the climate crisis.”

Stabenow released details of her farm bill earlier this month, and while the progress was welcomed, it has faced some criticism.

Ranking Member John Boozman says the release of the majority’s framework is a positive step. However, he’s continuing to work with stakeholders on the Republican framework, which he says will be released after the U.S. House considers its bill.

Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama says Stabenow’s farm bill framework is partisan and doesn’t put farmers, foresters, and producers first.  He says it prioritizes spending on nutrition and conservation instead of farm programs.

Ethan Lane with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says it lacks producer input and includes many provision that could be harmful to livestock producers.