2-5 IAN Farm Bill
Senate Farm Bill Passage a Victory for Idaho Grain Farmers. IGPA Grateful for Support of Sens. Risch, Crapo. Yesterday’s 68-32 vote in the U.S. Senate chamber supporting final passage of the Farm Bill conference report was very welcome news for Idaho’s wheat and barley farmers. The Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) enthusiastically welcomed the favorable votes of Idaho Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo. The bipartisan bicameral report (HR 2642) includes several provisions and programs critical to Idaho farmers and farm communities. The bill makes important reforms to farm programs, crop insurance, and conservation while boosting trade, research and conservation opportunities that will help to manage farm risk, increase crop yields and quality, and fortifying Idaho’s agriculture economy, the largest industry in the state. “The process to achieve Senate passage today was both exciting and exhausting”, said IGPA President and Kendrick farmer Robert Blair. “Since 2010, the IGPA has worked hard for this day to arrive. The bill is not perfect, and we know it was a difficult vote for our Idaho Senators. The IGPA applauds Senator Risch and Senator Crapo for laying their concerns aside and supporting Idaho wheat and barley farmers and ultimately Idaho’s economy”, added Blair.
“Today is a great day for Idaho’s agriculture and forest industries throughout our state,” said Senator Mike Crapo. “In all, the Farm Bill consolidates the number of conservation programs by half, slashes $23 billion in federal spending by ending direct payments and streamlines other duplicative federal programs.” The bill now heads to President Obama’s desk where it is expected to be signed into law.
