According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Farm Bureau sources, the law currently governing the nation’s farm and food aid policy now seems destined to expire at the end of this month, with congressional leaders opting to delay a fight over how to reauthorize those programs until after the elections. Barring last-minute developments, this means the 2008 law (PL 110-246) will expire Sept. 30, because the House goes into recess at the end of this week and will stay out until after the Nov. 6 elections. This would be the first time since 1973—considered the starting point for the modern era of farm policy—that a farm bill will have expired. Major activities authorized in the farm bill, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), would continue. Legislation to keep the federal government funded until March 27 includes money for SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.
The House passed the continuing resolution last week, and the Senate is expected to clear it this week. However, international food aid, agricultural trade and rural development programs would expire, as would the Milk Income Loss Contract program that provides dairy-price support. Congress is expected to take some action in the post-election session in order to keep a 1940s farm law from taking effect and significantly raising crop and dairy subsidies. An extension or a new farm bill is needed by Dec. 31 to prevent that from happening.
The food stamp program, crop insurance program and most conservation programs are all extended. When it really starts hitting you is next spring.
About 40 programs authorized under the 2008 legislation will not continue beyond the fiscal year. This includes wetlands and grassland reserve programs, some nutrition assistance programs, a few energy programs and some rural development provisions.
Farm Bureau continues to urge Congress to reach agreement on the House Agriculture Committee and Senate-passed farm bills. The farm bill is not on the list of bills that will be considered by the House this week. For more information, visit www.FarmBillNow.com.
