Alford urges Speaker Johnson, House Leadership to prioritize Farm Bill this year

WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) discussed his work to lead a majority of the House Republican Conference in a letter to House Leadership that reaffirms Republicans’ commitment to advancing a Farm Bill that meets the needs of production agriculture and rural America.

 

The letter was signed by 140 Members and emphasized the importance of passing a new Farm Bill this year — noting that farmers, ranchers, and producers are still living under outdated policies from the 2018 Farm Bill.

 

The Farm Bill is omnibus legislation that establishes policies affecting all sectors of the agriculture industry for a five-year period. Its impact extends far beyond the farm gate — impacting Main Street businesses like grocery stores, rural communities, and the national economy.

 

As Congressman Alford said, America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers do not have the luxury of waiting another year for a Farm Bill. Congressman Alford stressed that the agriculture community deserves certainty as they work to feed, fuel, and clothe the world.

 

The most recent Farm Bill, which was passed in 2018 and extended in 2023, expires this year. On May 24, 2024, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 to reauthorize the Farm Bill. The legislation supports producers, puts more “farm” back in the farm bill, and makes responsible reforms and investments across all 12 titles.

 

Following is a transcript of the video:

 

Along with my colleagues, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, Mary Miller, and Jen Kiggans, we are leading over 130 House Republicans in a letter to leadership reaffirming our commitment to advance a farm bill that meets the needs of production agriculture and rural America. 

 

In late May, the House Agriculture Committee passed H.R. 8476, the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024. It’s time to get this bill across the finish line. 

 

Our farmers, ranchers and producers are living under outdated policies and do not have the luxury of waiting another year for a Farm Bill. Our agriculture community deserves certainty in the work they do to feed, fuel, and clothe the world. 

 

The Farm Bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation for rural Americans. With the bill we passed out of committee, we ensured Americans have access to the healthiest, most abundant, and most affordable supply of food.

 

That’s why we are leading this letter to House Republican leadership. Agriculture is the backbone of America, and I will continue to fight for those who work sunup to sun down for our agriculture industry.

 

Together, we will pass the Farm Bill.

 

U.S. Representative Mark Alford represents Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District. In the House, Alford serves on the Agriculture Committee, the Armed Services Committee, and the Small Business Committee.