WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today voted for the bipartisan Farm Bill, which passed by a vote of 68-32. The “Agricultural Act of 2014,” H.R. 2642, now goes to President Obama for his signature.

“Agriculture plays a major role in Mississippi – not only for putting food on the table but also in providing a livelihood for many families,” Wicker said. “This Farm Bill supports Mississippi’s hardworking farmers and ensures consumers have access to safe and affordable food.”

Agriculture is Mississippi’s largest business sector and is responsible for employing nearly 30 percent of the state’s workforce. It generates an economic impact of approximately $7.5 billion each year.

“This long-term farm bill ensures certainty and stability for farmers and lenders as they make decisions about production loans, equipment loans, and input costs.”

As the ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran played an integral role in the negotiating process.

“Mississippi is fortunate to have Sen. Thad Cochran’s leadership on this bill. Sen. Cochran was instrumental in shaping a farm bill that is both fiscally responsible and beneficial to all Mississippians.”

The bill improves current agricultural policies and saves taxpayers roughly $23 billion over the next 10 years.

Some highlights of the bill include:

• Streamlining conservation programs;
• Providing a safety net for farmers and ranchers;
• Addressing regulatory reform related to forest roads and oversight of EPA activities; 
• Preserving the USDA Catfish Inspection Program;
• Additional funding for agricultural research; and
• Bolstering trade exports to help farmers find new global markets for their goods.