Grassley says discussions continue on passing full five-year Farm Bill

WASHINGTON — As farmers start thinking about the end of the growing season, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he’ll start having conversations with several farmer-led organizations over the next two weeks. He says those talks will include topics such as grain input prices, Proposition 12, President Trump’s trade policies, but he says the top issue is whether or not Congress will pass a full five-year Farm Bill before the end of the year.

Grassley says while many components of a typical Farm Bill were addressed in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed earlier this year, many other things need to be discussed.  “In July, Republicans passed major legislation that included historic tax cuts for working families, and also much of what is traditionally included in a Farm Bill. While it increases reference pricing, provides additional support for crop insurance, and reduces waste in the food stamp program. However, there’s more to address. That includes conservation programs, energy programs, and research.”

Senate Agriculture Committee chairman John Boozman of Arkansas has stated his intended goal is to get a new Farm Bill through Congress by the end of the year, and Grassley hopes there is enough time for the Senate to get that accomplished.  “With limited time left on the Senate floor, and considering all legislation that still needs to be passed, that even includes government funding most importantly, the timeline for a Farm Bill is difficult. I remain confident Congress will not allow any remaining farm programs to lapse at the end of the year. So I urge Chairman Boozman to continue working on a Farm Bill that addresses the issues facing our agriculture community.”

House Agriculture Committee chairman Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania recently  said he wants to take committee action on a “skinny Farm Bill” later this month.