IL corn growers demand farm bill

By Andi Anderson

This week, the IL Corn Growers Association joined over 530 organizations in a concerted effort to urge Congress to pass a bipartisan farm bill.

The coalition, comprising representatives from nutrition, agriculture, environmental, and other sectors, expressed their concerns through a letter addressed to House and Senate leadership.

The letter emphasized the urgency of enacting a bipartisan farm bill within the current legislative year.

It warned, "If Congress does not come together this year to enact a bipartisan farm bill, the legislative process will begin anew in the 119th Congress. Given the significant legislative, and possibly administrative, duties of a new Congress including the seating of new leadership and committees, Senate nominations, and other essential actions during the first months of the 119th Congress, we have concerns that it may not be logistically or politically feasible to advance a new farm bill early in the next Congress."

The current farm bill, passed out of committee in the House of Representatives with narrow bipartisan support, faces significant legislative hurdles.

Major differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, along with a wide political divide, have stalled its progress. The coalition's letter highlighted the critical nature of passing the farm bill before the extension of the 2018 farm bill expires in September, just ahead of the November elections.

The coalition's push reflects a broad consensus across various sectors about the importance of the farm bill. Their unified stance aims to spur Congressional action, ensuring that essential agricultural and nutritional programs continue without interruption.

As the deadline approaches, the IL Corn Growers Association and its allies remain committed to advocating for a timely and effective legislative solution.

Their collective voice underscores the necessity of bipartisan cooperation in addressing the nation's agricultural and nutritional needs.

Photo Credit: illinois-corn-growers-association