Despite the extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, many federal agriculture programs West Virginia farmers depend on won t be authorized to operate without passage of a new version of the legislation. Agricultural producers continue to face rising operation costs and extreme weather events. Spencer Moss, executive director of the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition, explained that the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is one resource that faces uncertainty. .
Even though the current Farm Bill has been extended for a year, rural advocates are speaking up about protecting independent and family farms when the next one is finally debated. The Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment is calling on lawmakers in Washington to roll back guaranteed loans for large meat and livestock producers, require country-of-origin labeling for beef and improve enforcement of the century-old Packers and Stockyards Act. Mike Farley, board member of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, said the new Farm Bill should be geared toward helping restore competition in the livestock markets for independent farmers while boosting environmental protections. .
Young Farmers in Michigan hope the new Farm Bill will include key benefits regarding land access so they can continue to pursue farming passionately. Without generational access to land and institutional knowledge of farming, young farmers face difficulties in entering the industry and building infrastructure for growing their business. Payge Solidago, Michigan organizer with the National Young Farmers Coalition, said nearly 40% of young farmers lease their land and lack access to secure land. .
North Dakota s farming landscape is seeing policy shifts dealing with corporate ownership of agricultural interests. Now, there s fresh debate at the federal level. Earlier this year, the Legislature loosened restrictions under the state s longstanding anti-corporate-farming law. .
The Fair Credit for Farmers Act aims to improve access to USDA loans, remove barriers, and address racial injustice, offering crucial support for farming.