The Farm Bill, which authorizes all U.S. Department of Agriculture programs every five years, has been an especially drawn out process this Congress. Last year, Congress extended the five-year authorization for an additional year. That means that programs must be reauthorized or extended by September 30.
Leaders of the authorizing committees certainly thought that both chambers would be further along by this point. To date, the House Agriculture Committee has advanced its own version of the Farm Bill, called the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. In the Senate, Democrats and Republicans on the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee have released frameworks with varying levels of detail. With parties and chambers so far apart on a final Farm Bill, it is increasingly unlikely that Congress will pass a final bill by the deadline at the end of the month.
While unlikely to move before September, this is a chance that Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman come to an agreement on top-line budget and a final compromised Senate version comes together quickly. In that case, it will be important for advocates to be staying on top of the process to ensure their priorities are included. We recommend the following actions throughout the remainder of the year:
(1) Stay Engaged with Key Stakeholders: Even if progress on the Farm Bill seems stalled, it's essential to continue building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including Members of Congress, committee staff, and allied organizations. Regular check-ins, briefings, and sharing updates on the impact of existing USDA programs can help keep your issues top of mind, especially demonstrating the importance of specific programs and the consequences of delays can be crucial.
(2) Prioritize and Refine Your Policy Asks: Given the uncertainty surrounding the timeline, it’s wise to revisit and refine your policy priorities. Identify which issues are non-negotiable and which can be compromised or delayed.
(3) Leverage Media and Public Opinion: Use media outreach to keep Farm Bill issues in the public eye. Op-eds, press releases, and social media campaigns can amplify your message and pressure lawmakers to act. This is especially important in the next few months when elections, spending fights, and other high-profile legislative debates will dominate the headlines.
(4) Prepare for the Long Game: Given the likelihood of further extensions, it’s crucial to prepare for continued advocacy beyond the immediate timeline. Developing a long-term strategy that includes phased advocacy actions, ongoing coalition-building efforts, and adaptable messaging will ensure your priorities are included – whenever the final Farm Bill passes.
(5) Monitor and Influence Spending Discussions: As extensions occur, attention will often shift to budget negotiations. Keeping a close eye on appropriations and any attempts to cut funding for agriculture programs can provide additional opportunities for advocacy. Engaging in these budget discussions ensures that even without a new Farm Bill, funding for critical programs remains protected.
While there is still a long way to go until we see final Farm Bill text, advocacy groups should prepare to be ready in case a deal comes together this fall. If not, it will be critical to stay engaged throughout a new Congress and new Administration to ensure priorities are included in the updated version.
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