Farm Bill conferees are scheduled to get to work today on the new farm bill. They have until September 30 to get a measure passed before the current legislation expires. Center for Rural Affairs Policy Manager Anna Johnson says one of her group’s major priorities is making sure the Conservation Stewardship Program is retained in the final legislation.

She says they also want to make sure conferees put in good Beginning Farmer provisions in the farm bill including the Rural Micro Entrepreneur Assistance program.

Johnson says CFRA also wants to make sure the final farm bill contains Senator Chuck Grassley’s payment limitations provision calling for a limit of $125,000 per producer with an adjusted gross income threshold of $900,000 as well as a requirement that those getting payments are actively engaged in farming.

Conferees staff members have been working over the August break on the farm bill so they’re hoping to get the legislation passed before it expires.