Farm Bill delayed until after election as congress debates funding

By Andi Anderson

Sweeping legislation to set food and farm policy for the next five years is delayed as Congress remains deadlocked over how to fund the bill.

The farm bill’s latest deadline passed without action on September 30, leaving its fate uncertain until after the election.

Congress will reconvene in a lame-duck session on November 12, with lawmakers scrambling to reach an agreement before the end of the year.

If no deal is made, critical programs will revert to outdated policies from the 1938 and 1949 farm bills, which would have far-reaching impacts on modern farming practices and the federal budget.

The bipartisan coalition that has advanced farm bills for over half a century is in disarray, with disagreements on funding and limits on programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) causing significant delays.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack expressed frustration over the ongoing stalemate, likening the situation to "Groundhog Day," as discussions on the bill continue to stall.

Farmers are already facing declining crop prices and rising input costs, adding to the uncertainty.

Although most key programs have funding through the end of 2024, the looming expiration of the farm bill has left the agricultural industry in a difficult position. As prices and costs fluctuate, there is increasing pressure on lawmakers to pass a new bill.

Lawmakers from both parties agree on the urgency of passing the bill, with agriculture leaders advocating for a solution that addresses inflationary costs and rising prices. However, disagreements over how to fund the bill continue to prevent meaningful progress.

With time running out, Congress must find a way to resolve these disputes and pass a new farm bill to secure the future of the agricultural industry and its vital programs.