Randy Feenstra News

The agricultural sector in the United States is facing severe challenges as commodity prices decline and input costs remain high, prompting calls for urgent legislative action. Members of the House Agriculture Committee, including Rep. Randy Feenstra and Rep. Austin Scott, emphasized the necessity of passing a new five-year farm bill to support farmers who are struggling to maintain their operations. The current economic conditions threaten both food security and the livelihoods of farmers, with some unable to sustain their businesses for another year. The committee highlighted the importance of trade, noting that the previous bipartisan farm bill had doubled funding for trade promotion and market access. Additionally, there are concerns about staffing levels at USDA county offices and their impact on farmers' access to essential programs. The urgency for legislative progress is underscored by the delays experienced in the Senate last year, which members of the House Agriculture Committee are keen to avoid in the current session.