Groups React to Government Funding and Farm Bill Extension

ASTA Reacts to Government Funding and Farm Bill Extension

Alexandria, VA (December 21, 2024)— Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association, issued the following statement after Congress sent a continuing resolution and farm bill extension to President Biden’s desk.

“On behalf of America’s seed producers, the American Seed Trade Association is pleased to see that our industry and America’s farmers will have certainty into the new year,” says LaVigne. “But the work is far from over. The legislation that was passed is simply a band-aid. American families and the seed producers and farmers that help put food on their tables need their representatives in Washington, D.C. to come together and pass a comprehensive five-year farm bill that supports critical agricultural and nutrition programs. These programs allow seed producers and farmers to expand their market access across the globe, conduct research that is fundamental to providing high-quality, professional seed to producers, support key commodity programs, and lend a hand to families in need.”

“ASTA is looking forward to fostering relationships, new and old, in the 119th Congress and with the incoming administration, to get a new farm bill through congressional approval and to the President’s desk.”

NSP applauds inclusion of agriculture provisions in year-end bill

Washington, DC (December 21, 2024) - National Sorghum Producers (NSP) Chair Amy France, a sorghum farmer from Scott City, Kansas, released the following statement praising the Continuing Resolution (CR) passage.

“The National Sorghum Producers commends the dedicated efforts of agricultural advocates and bipartisan Congressional leaders in reaching an agreement to provide disaster and economic assistance while also extending the farm bill for one year. Including nearly $21 billion for crop loss assistance and $10 billion in economic relief offers much-needed relief for sorghum producers navigating ongoing financial pressure.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the members of Congress who ensured agriculture remained a priority within this critical CR.

“While we are disappointed that a provision for the authorization of year-round E-15 sales was not included, this package represents a meaningful step forward for agriculture. We deeply appreciate the leaders who worked diligently to make this relief possible.

“We also want to recognize the producers whose persistent advocacy played a key role in securing this vital assistance for our farms and rural communities.

“NSP is working tirelessly on behalf of the producers who are fighting to farm one more day. We look forward to tackling key issues important to our members in 2025, including E-15, a new farm bill and tax policies.”

Corn Growers Disappointed E15 Not Included in Year-End Votes; Appreciates Economic Assistance

Washington, DC (December 21, 2024) - Following votes from Congress on year-end legislation, National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. released the following statement.

“Corn growers are deeply disappointed that a permanent, year-round E15 solution was not included in the end-of-year legislation package. This no-cost provision would have provided a market-driven solution to farmers experiencing low corn prices. We call upon legislators to address this matter quickly in the start of the new Congress and fix this issue once and for all.

“NCGA is appreciative of House and Senate Agriculture leadership and other champions who worked hard to extend the farm bill and provide much needed economic and disaster assistance to farm country. This assistance will help growers reeling from natural disasters and multiple years of low crop prices paired with high input costs.”

NACD Laments Conservation Funding Not Included in End-of-Year Bill

Washington, DC (December 21, 2024) – On Saturday morning, after a hectic week of negotiations, Congress passed an end-of-year bill that includes a continuing resolution to temporarily extend current levels of federal funding until March to avoid a government shutdown. The legislation also includes an additional extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, disaster relief, and economic assistance for struggling producers. NACD called on Congress to provide much-needed relief for America’s producers and communities damaged by recent natural disasters, and we appreciate that these priorities were included in the final bill. Congress must pass these critical bills in a much timelier manner, without the imminent threat of shutting down critical government funding and programs. NACD and the conservation community are very disappointed that the legislative package does not include Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) conservation funding.

“NACD is deeply disappointed that the end-of-year bill does not include a bipartisan provision to integrate remaining IRA conservation funding,” said NACD President Kim LaFleur. “The failure to include conservation funding in an end-of-year bill forgoes an incredible opportunity, and unfortunately reflects Congress’ increasing inability to negotiate and pass bipartisan, common-sense solutions. We appreciate those lawmakers who prioritized this request and look forward to working with the House and Senate agriculture committees and congressional leadership to quickly pass a new farm bill that includes this priority.”

NAWG Statement on Congress Passing Economic Assistance for Farmers

Washington, D.C. (December 21, 2024) – Chandler Goule, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), provided the following statement in response to Congress passing the American Relief Act of 2025.

“NAWG applauds members of both the House of Representatives and Senate for coming together to provide much-needed economic assistance and disaster relief for farmers nationwide. While this legislation also includes a one-year farm bill extension and short-term relief, it is not a replacement for a long-term farm bill. As we enter the 119^th Congress, NAWG urges lawmakers to work quickly to pass a farm bill that strengthens the farm safety net and provides long-term certainty for producers and rural America.”