Smaller Budget to Shape Debate on Farm Bill

As Senate and House agriculture committees, farm organizations and ag-related businesses begin to think about new farm legislation, they are reminded that they will have fewer dollars than were available during the last farm bill.

That was a central message during the recent Southwest Ag Issues Summit.

Leaders from all major commodity groups throughout Texas and national representatives converged to discuss what may come from a new barm bill in 2018.

Joe Outlaw, Ph.D., co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University, said the summit is where the ag community begins the conversation about what they want to request on behalf of Texas producers.

“What we are talking about is what’s the most efficient use of limited funds,” Outlaw said.

As it stands, experts say not to count on any new money flowing into the next farm bill, as the current program is under budget by several billion dollars.

“That’s a big deal,” said Outlaw. “What you are trying to do with the safety net is provide last line of defense before major bankruptcies. When there’s less money available, that safety net has to be a little lower, so things have to get a little worse before government help (begins).”

Source: Southwest Farm Press