The likely incoming Chair of the House Agriculture Committee says farmers and ranchers can expect a new farm bill before the end of 2018. Collin Peterson, the current Ranking Member, says that farm bill negotiators are getting “relatively close” to an agreement on a final measure that Congress could pass during the lame-duck session. Various ag industry groups fear that starting a new farm bill development process in 2019 would mean a number of amendments that wouldn’t be beneficial to the industry. Politico says the commodity title isn’t settled yet but there are a number of options that negotiators can consider. The nutrition title appears to still be a sticking point as President Trump issued what amounted to a potential veto threat for any bill that doesn’t have stricter work requirements for SNAP participants. During a post-election press conference, Trump says, “We could have a very fast bill without the work rules but we want those work rules included.” Politico also says there is a possibility Democrats may look deeper into Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue’s plans to relocate the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Peterson Expects New Farm Bill in Lame-Duck Session
