Today, Congressman Neal Dunn (FL-02), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the committee passed the 2018 Farm Bill:
“We need to give our producers confidence in a bright future, and I believe we did that today,” said Dr. Dunn. “The 2018 Farm Bill will give certainty to farmers, ranchers, and foresters across North Florida that we have their backs. From protecting crop insurance to streamlining burdensome regulations, we are fixing the Farm Bill to protect and support the agriculture industry. It’s disappointing that Democrats on the committee chose to play games today, endangering the farm and food bill. We all depend on a thriving agriculture industry and this Farm Bill works to ensure that we will continue to have safe and affordable food on our tables.”
Bill highlights:
• Reauthorizes the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) options through 2023.
• Strengthens the farm safety net and protects crop insurance.
• Restores funding for vital tools for trade promotion and market development.
• Streamlines and reduces regulatory burdens.
• Improvements to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Dr. Dunn advocated for several issues that were included in the final bill, including:
• Trade policy advocacy for new technologies.
• Improving USDA record-keeping of dog importation into the United States.
• Increasing awareness regarding technology and food.
• Including an algae agriculture research program under the High Priority Research and Extension Initiatives section.
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