Senate Farm Bill and More News

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The latest news from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition featuring Senate Farm Bill, Farmer Fly-In, FArm to School Grants and More

SENATE FARM BILL NEWS  

COMMENT: Senate Farm Bill Paves the Way for Farmer-Forward Farm Bill – The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is pleased that the Senate farm bill, in stark contrast to the House bill, aligns with many of the priorities of family farmers and sustainable food advocates. NSAC is deeply disappointed, however, that Senate leadership made an 11th hour decision to block a widely supported, bipartisan amendment led by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) to reduce crop insurance premium subsidies for the wealthiest farming operations. 

Senate Farm Bill Offers Hope to Sustainable Agriculture Advocates – On June 28, the Senate passed its version of the 2018 Farm Bill with strong, bipartisan support. The Senate’s swift movement on their bill keeps hope alive that a final bill might be finished before the 2014 Farm Bill expires on September 30, 2018. The Senate bill aligns with many of the priorities of family farmers and sustainable food advocates and was applauded by NSAC, as well as many other leading farm and food groups.  

COMMENT: NSAC Cheers Inclusion of “Actively Engaged” Amendment in Senate Substitute – The inclusion of Senator Chuck Grassley’s (R-IA) “Actively Engaged in Farming” amendment in the Senate substitute package is a critical first step toward ensuring more equitable commodity subsidy programs. The reforms that Senator Grassley has put forward will finally make the “limit” in “payment limit” mean something when it comes to taxpayer-funded commodity subsidies. Thanks to the Senate, Congress now has real options to reform the loophole-ridden commodity subsidy program in the final farm bill.  

NSAC NEWS  

Farmers Take Sustainable Agriculture Priorities to Congress  – Last week, NSAC hosted our second farmer fly-in of 2018, bringing in 10 farmer advocates from across the country to make their priorities known on Capitol Hill. During the fly-in, farmers advocated for and shared their experiences with sustainable agriculture programs.

USDA NEWS  

Over $5 Million in Farm To School Grants Awarded  – Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it would award 73 grants through the Farm to School Grant Program, worth over $5.1 million, to Farm to School programs across the country. Farm to School programs broaden students’ access to fresh, locally sourced foods in a number of ways. We are excited to congratulate the NSAC members and affiliated organizations receiving Farm to School Grants this year.

NSAC JOB NEWS  

NSAC is hiring an Operations Coordinator!  We are seeking an Operations Coordinator to join our team. This position is located at NSAC’s DC office on Capitol Hill and is a full-time exempt position. See the position description for more information and instructions on how to apply. 

 

Learn more about Farm Policy and Agricultural Politics from Beginningfarmers.org at https://www.beginningfarmers.org/farm-policy-agricultural-politics/