An Oregon Congressman has introduced an alternative Farm Bill. Representative Michael Blumenauer’s legislation would eliminate the Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Payment programs. It also would eliminate conservation funding on Confined Animal Feedlot Operations and shift the funding to organic and local production. Minnesota Corn Grower’s President Kirby Hettver thinks Ag Committee leadership will keep that from getting approved.
He says whatever new Farm Legislation is passed needs to give producers the option of re selecting which programs they prefer, either ARC or PLC.
Blumenauer and Representative Rosa DeLauro both say crop insurance and subsidy programs could be cut to increase nutrition spending. Hettver says a strong crop insurance program needs to be maintained especially for younger and beginning farmers.
Hettver says movement on the new Farm Bill could get pushed back as Congress tackles tax reform.
