Key Takeaways

• House Ag Committee Chair Glenn Thompson aims for farm bill 2.0 discussions this September, focusing on key issues like farm aid and tariffs.
• Thompson advocates for utilizing tariff revenues to support farmers amid economic challenges, promoting agricultural stability.
• The committee plans to address controversial topics in the new farm bill, including labor reforms and state agricultural policies.

Commitment to Farm Aid and Legislative Progress

Congress has reconvened following the August recess, and House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson is vocal about the need for a “farm bill 2.0.” This initiative aims to address elements overlooked in President Donald Trump’s previous legislation. In an Agri-Pulse interview, Thompson outlined his focus areas for the upcoming session, including farm aid payments, tariffs, agricultural labor reform, and a reorganization at the USDA.

Despite positive USDA projections for increased farm income, much of this rise stems from government payments rather than favorable commodity prices, which have declined. Thompson emphasized the importance of focusing on net income and expanding market opportunities to improve farmers’ margins. He pointed out that recent trade data showed an uptick in export volumes, but farmers still face significant input costs that could threaten profitability.

As the harvest season approaches, Thompson believes that additional farm aid is vital for stabilizing the agricultural economy. He noted that previous assistance only covered about one-third of losses, highlighting a need for further investment. He suggests that a fraction of the tariffs collected (estimated at $100 billion) could potentially fund this support. Instead of relying solely on the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), Thompson advocates utilizing these tariffs for direct aid to farmers.

Addressing current agricultural challenges, Thompson expressed optimism about future trade negotiations, emphasizing the need to seal agreements that benefit key agricultural commodities like soybeans and corn. He sees trade as critically important to the agricultural sector’s success and believes that maintaining relationships with countries such as China and expanding to new markets is essential.

Thompson plans for the committee to take action on farm bill 2.0 in September, with a focus on reauthorizing successful programs from the previous farm bill. There is a recognition of the need to incorporate priorities from new committee members and engage with Democratic counterparts to create a comprehensive bill. He expressed urgency in moving forward to provide farmers with certainty and stability.

Several contentious provisions are slated for discussion in the upcoming farm bill, including a solution for Proposition 12, pesticide regulations, and the complexities surrounding industrial hemp. Thompson indicated that he anticipates the “Save the Bacon” provision will be part of the final legislation, to ensure states’ rights are respected while maintaining consistency in the agricultural practices across states.

The need for agricultural workforce reform is another key area of concern discussed by Thompson. He acknowledged that labor shortages contribute to food insecurity and emphasized his committee’s commitment to reform the H2A program, improving the agricultural workforce situation.

Lastly, Thompson expressed concern regarding the potential impact of the USDA reorganization on employee retention, particularly among experienced staff. He stressed the importance of maintaining institutional knowledge within the department.

Thompson concluded that the committee aims to engage stakeholders effectively as they work on upcoming agricultural policies. His proactive approach highlights the commitment to addressing the pressing needs of America’s farmers amid a challenging economic landscape.

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