I am sure by now you’ve heard that the U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass the 2013 Farm Bill with a final vote announced as 195 to 234. The rejected farm bill comes after members were divided over food subsidies and food stamps.
Oppositions from both sides have surfaced over the few weeks or so. But the majority of the ag groups have expressed their disappointment.
“We are extremely disappointed in the vote against the farm bill,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. “Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers need a farm bill now to help them plan for their next crop. No business can successfully operate without a plan and this negative vote will indefinitely delay business decisions.”
President of Dairy Farmers of America John Wilson issued a statement about the impact on the Dairy Market Stabilization Program. “Although today has been disappointing, the dairy industry has shown its resiliency in the past, and continued optimism and action is the only option as we look to the future. We express sincere thanks to all who made calls, attended meetings and sent important emails to their legislators. This participation is imperative as we look to the future and make dairy policy reform a reality.”
I can’t help but ask; now what happens after September’s extension ends?
It is my understanding, according to The Washington Post, that the House Republicans will have to start over or go to conference without a bill and try to negotiate something with the Senate.
But what if Congress can’t pass a farm bill at all? The Washington Posts writes, “In theory, the country would eventually revert to the agricultural rules written back in 1949, when the last permanent farm bill was enacted (subsequent bills have all been temporary). That 1949 act was crafted for a very different United States, with smaller crop production and higher consumer prices. So, for instance, dairy prices would skyrocket once outdated price supports came back into effect.
“Not everything would revert, though: Other programs, such as food stamps and crop insurance, would continue indefinitely without changes, since those are permanent programs.”
I guess all we can do now is continue to urge our legislators to pass a farm bill that is focused on the future and gives farmers a consistent funding model not a temporary fix.
Best wishes,
