The Farm Bill is the most significant piece of legislation that affects farmers across the country, but it also has far-reaching impacts beyond the agricultural sector. A recent study by the American Farm Bureau Federation found that 71% of adults have not seen, read, or heard about the Farm Bill. However, everyone depends on the success of American agriculture, and it's important for farmers and ranchers to be supported by strong farm programs as they face down weather disasters, high supply costs, and inflationary pressures.
The current Farm Bill was set in 2018 and will expire in September of this year. Lawmakers have the opportunity every five years to create new legislation to update the programs included so they are relevant to current economic conditions. One of those programs is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The impact of SNAP is huge, as it benefits about 290,000 families in Indiana alone. If the Farm Bill expires without new legislation in place, or if programs are not granted an extension by Congress, the bill's programs would revert to how they looked in 1949.
The Farm Bill's programs extend beyond the farm by protecting our nation's food supply, providing access to nutrition for families facing hunger, advancing conservation efforts, and spurring innovation through agricultural research. The bill also includes programs for families needing extra help making their food purchasing dollar stretch in today's economy. In short, the Farm Bill is not just a farm bill but a food bill. To ensure that this bill benefits all Americans, it's crucial that we educate ourselves and advocate for it.
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Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy