Wouldn’t We All Like a New Farm Bill?

As was pretty much expected the Senate didn’t get a farm bill passed before the 2002 Farm Bill expired yesterday. They’ve got some more work to do apparently. Go to the Senate Ag Committee homepage and there’s not a word about it. Of course their “Today in Agriculture” section is showing as its latest item one that’s dated July 2. That might tell you something.

A coalition of groups, including the NCGA, has sent the Senate a letter asking them to get the job done.

The groups ranged from farm commodity groups such as NCGA to conservation groups, hunger relief organizations, such as School Nutrition Association, and faith-based action groups. In addition to agricultural programs, the farm bill also authorizes and funds a number of conservation and nutrition programs.“While our organizations have differences on specific policy recommendations,” the letter noted, “we believe it is vitally important that the Senate Agriculture Committee mark up and pass a 2007 Farm Bill as soon as possible.”