While much of the attention during the farm bill debate was centered on farm subsidies and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps), both of which are very important to thousands of Arkansans, the farm bill is much more than these two issues. It would surprise many who don’t live and breathe agriculture, but this bill addresses such a broad range of issues that play a tremendous role in the well-being of all Arkansans and our state’s economy. The farm bill, in its entirety, is arguably the most critical piece of federal legislation for Arkansas’ economy and its people.
This bill provides major reforms to the commodity support programs and the nutrition program, saving taxpayers roughly $23 billion. Beyond these reforms, it provides assistance for nearly all agricultural commodities, offers important investments to our rural communities and provides the authority for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide a wide array of day-to-day services to farmers, agriculture businesses and the American consumer.
As the secretary of the Arkansas Agriculture Department, I hope this short title-by-title summary will help you learn more about the various components of this important bill and why it’s needed for our state.
In the “Commodity Title,” the bill provides assistance to farmers and ranchers for most agricultural commodities when crop prices collapse or other disasters occur. Direct payments were eliminated, which means farmers no longer receive automatic government payments.
Farmers compete in a worldwide market, often distorted by foreign governments. The U.S. safety net programs provide a more level playing field with global competitors and help keep our farmers and ranchers in business, thus maintaining a safe, abundant and affordable domestically produced supply of food.
In the “Conservation Title,” the bill provides cost-share assistance to producers who reserve farmland for wildlife habitat and implement soil and water conservation practices. This maintains clean water and sustainable agriculture production for future generations. It also helps maintain Arkansas’s distinction as the Natural State and the hub for wintering migratory fowl.
In the “Insurance Title,” the bill provides assistance to farmers hit with natural disasters and unforeseen events that would otherwise cause significant economic damage. Farmers must purchase all insurance policies. These safety net tools help farmers manage a variety of risks in a very risky industry.
In the “Trade Title,” the bill provides funding to help promote U.S. agriculture products and develop export markets around the globe. This title also authorizes important food-for-peace initiatives, many of which use rice, soybeans, corn and other commodities grown right here in Arkansas.
In the “Nutrition Title,” the bill provides food assistance for low-income families and school meals for children. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps not only hungry, low-income Americans, but also the agriculture and food processing industries because it allows for food purchases that would not happen otherwise. It also helps transportation and retail businesses who deliver and sell these food products.
This title is often misunderstood and misrepresented. I applaud Congress for keeping it viable, while addressing fraud and abuse issues.
In the “Credit Title,” the bill provides affordable and accessible credit for farmers and rural businesses. This includes farm operations, housing, infrastructure development, and other farm and rural business needs. Arkansas banks and farm credit services utilize these programs to provide capital and financing for individuals and businesses in rural areas.
In the “Rural Development Title,” the bill provides funding for economic development projects in rural communities. Funding under this title goes toward rural broadband systems, rural housing, water and wastewater systems and telemedicine. It also includes rural business and industry loans and grants which support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
In the “Research Title,” the bill provides funding for agriculture research in seed development, nutrition, conservation, marketing, best management practices and other related agricultural and forestry production research needs, including animal and plant health. It also supports various USDA Agriculture Research Service stations and University of Arkansas agriculture research facilities for farmers, ranchers and rural families.
This research keeps the U.S. on the cutting edge of agriculture production and maintains a strong and innovative agri sector.
In the “Forestry Title,” the bill provides funding for our forest service and timber industry, including firefighting funds and forest pest management. These funds are important for private landowners as well as the Ouachita and Ozark/St. Francis National Forests.
In the “Energy Title,” the bill helps deliver electricity to rural communities and supports rural electric cooperatives.
Many areas of Arkansas would be without electricity were it not for the programs in this title. The title also provides support for renewable fuels from bio-based sources and gives incentive farmers to invest in energy-efficient systems to lower electric bills.
In the “Horticulture Title,” the bill contains numerous provisions that help specialty crop producers of fruits, vegetables and other plants. Arkansas has a diverse horticulture industry and leads many other states in production of specialty crops.
In the “Miscellaneous Title,” the livestock section supports food safety. The inspection services provided under this law address imported catfish as well as other animal and plant health programs to ensure that we eat safe food. This title also provides disaster assistance for livestock producers through an indemnity program and a pilot program to help eradicate feral swine.
Lastly, the miscellaneous title provides incentives for socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers and ranchers, which helps bring about new generations of food producers.
When you see farmers or ranchers, please thank them for bringing food to your table. It’s not easy work, and often it’s something we all take for granted. If you have a chance to thank the Arkansans in Congress who supported the farm bill, please do that, too. Their support for this measure allows us all to enjoy a safe, affordable and abundant supply of food. Many other countries around the world are far less fortunate.
Butch Calhoun is the secretary of the Arkansas Agriculture Department.