Ag community asking Congress to pass continuing resolution

The deal includes a farm bill extension and billions of dollars in support

Members of the U.S. ag community want Congress to pass a continuing resolution that includes support for farmers.

The 1,547-page bill, which includes billions of dollars of support for American farmers, would keep the government funded until March 14.

“There is no doubt in my mind that for many farmers, the critical funding in this bill could make the difference between planting a crop next year and giving up,” Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, said in a Dec. 17 statement. “We appreciate that members of Congress rolled up their sleeves to ensure farmers can continue to deliver the safest, most affordable and abundant food supply in the world.”

Here's some specific items the continuing resolution includes:

• A one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill through Sept. 30, 2025,
• $10 billion in economic aid for producers,
• $21 billion in ag disaster funding for 2023 and 2024 (Congress is proposing more than $100 billion in total disaster aid), and
• Year-round E15 sales.

The National Association of Wheat Growers also wants the bill passed.

These measures provide farmers with some stability heading into the next season, said Keeff Felty, the association’s president.

“This legislation provides farmers with a bridge heading into next year. However, it is imperative that when lawmakers return for a busy 2025, enacting a robust, long-term farm bill remains a top priority,” he said in a statement.

Members of the renewable fuel community are also urging Congress to pass the resolution.

Year-round sales of E15 helps farmers and consumers, said Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association.

“This language would finally remove an outdated, red-tape regulatory barrier, and we remain hopeful that the continuing resolution will move swiftly through Congress and to the president’s desk for signature,” he said in a statement. “Allowing year-round sales of E15 will benefit farmers, fuel retailers, and—most importantly—consumers seeking lower-cost, cleaner fuel options at the pump.”

The bill needs congressional approval, and President Biden’s signature, by Friday evening to prevent a funding lapse.