Legislation Aims to Address 2023 Ag Losses

While I can’t tell you a farm bill is getting passed any time soon, I can tell you pro-ag legislation is being introduced. Congressmen David G. Valadao (R-CA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) have introduced the bipartisan Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act to support farmers and rural communities hit hard by natural disasters in 2023. Developed in collaboration with the Almond Alliance and other agricultural groups, the bill addresses catastrophic damage caused by floods, droughts, and wildfires.

The legislation proposes $14 billion in relief to help farmers recover from crop and livestock losses, incorporating provisions from past relief programs. This includes drought definitions and direct payments, with a focus on efficient payment processing for all producers.

California’s agricultural sector, particularly the almond industry, has faced severe losses due to ongoing drought and flooding. Blake Vann, Chairman of the Almond Alliance, emphasizes the importance of this relief, saying it will help farmers recover and ensure long-term sustainability.

Visit the Almond Alliance for more details: https://almondalliance.org/2024/09/almond-alliance-calls-for-swift-passage-of-agriculture-disaster-relief-bill/