With harvest time well underway, we are reminded of the important role that agriculture plays in Mississippi – not only for putting food on the table but also in providing a livelihood for many families.  As our state’s largest business, the agriculture industry is responsible for employing nearly 30 percent of the local workforce and generating an economic impact of approximately $7.5 billion each year.

Approaching Deadline

One way that Congress helps encourage a stable food supply and the future vitality of America’s farmers and ranchers is through a major piece of legislation known as the “farm bill.”  In early June, the Senate overwhelmingly passed a comprehensive, five-year reauthorization of the bill, which would reform and extend essential production, nutrition, and conservation programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Although typically reauthorized for multiple years, these programs were extended for only a year after they expired in September 2012.  At the end of this month, that short-term extension will sunset – again putting agriculture-related federal policy in limbo.  Because different versions of this year’s farm bill were passed in the House of Representatives and the Senate, an agreement must be negotiated and finalized before the legislation can become law.

Promptly enacting a long-term farm bill is imperative to farmers and lenders in Mississippi and across the country.  They need certainty and stability when making decisions about production loans, equipment loans, and input costs. These producers, who often operate on the thinnest of margins, cannot be expected to thrive under temporary extensions.

Positive Reforms

Mississippi is fortunate to have Sen. Thad Cochran as the ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.  His leadership has been instrumental in shaping a farm bill that is both fiscally responsible and farmer-friendly.

Notable reforms in the Senate farm bill include measures to lower taxpayer costs and streamline federal programs.  The bill cuts a total of $24 billion from federal spending over the next 10 years through sequestration and savings from farm support programs.  In fact, the Senate farm bill is the only authorizing legislation in recent years to achieve its savings target as recommended by the 2011 Budget Control Act.  The bill also makes equitable changes to safety-net programs, addressing the unique risks faced by Mississippi’s producers. 

Continued Productivity

Congress must tend to a number of urgent priorities in the coming weeks as high-profile deadlines loom, including the expiration of farm programs.  Finalizing a comprehensive farm bill should be counted among the most pressing items on the fall agenda.  The production of our food resources affects all Americans and all parts of the country.  It is a vibrant part of the U.S. economy and trade.

Strategic, multiyear policies are critical to sustained productivity from our farmers and ranchers.  As the 2013 farm bill demonstrates, this is a practical goal despite budget constraints.  Although there is work left to do, we must maintain America’s abundant and affordable food supply.  Senators and Representatives should work together to see that this legislation moves forward without delay.