The latest round of Farm Bill negotiations is underway, with House Agriculture Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson recently unveiling the full bill text of the 2024 Farm Bill. As lawmakers, farmers, and advocacy groups gather to shape the future of American agriculture, several key issues are expected to dominate the discussions. This comprehensive piece of legislation, renewed every five years, governs a wide range of agricultural and food programs, and the 2024 negotiations are poised to reflect the evolving needs and priorities of the agricultural sector and the broader public.

However, there is uncertainty among lawmakers about whether Democratic and Republican leaders will be able to pass a bipartisan Bill this year. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa has expressed doubts, reflecting the broader skepticism within the political landscape while food policy expert Eric Kessler argues that failing to reach an agreement might be preferable to passing a Farm Bill that compromises on critical programs. “No Farm Bill is better than a bad Farm Bill,” says Kessler, who founded and previously served as Co-Head of Arabella Advisors. Calling the House version of the Bill “as far from bipartisan as you can get,” he believes that it is “a direct attack on anti-hunger and nutrition programs…[and] climate programs.”

The legislative package, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates could cost as much as $1.5 trillion over 10 years, covers everything from nutrition assistance programs and conservation to commodities and rural development. One of the central themes in the upcoming Farm Bill is expected to be climate change and sustainability. With increasing awareness of the environmental impacts of farming, there is a strong push for measures that promote sustainable agricultural practices. Lawmakers are likely to debate provisions that incentivize carbon sequestration, soil health, and conservation programs. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, stating, “The Farm Bill needs to address the urgent challenge of climate change. We must support farmers in adopting practices that reduce emissions and enhance resilience.”

The latest House version proposes cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by almost $30 billion, a move that has drawn significant criticism. Nutrition assistance programs, which account for a substantial portion of Farm Bill funding, are always contentious. The proposed cuts to SNAP are likely to be a focal point of debate as lawmakers discuss funding levels, eligibility requirements, and potential reforms aimed at improving the program’s effectiveness and efficiency. Lisa Davis, Senior Vice President at Share Our Strength, stressed the importance of SNAP, noting, “SNAP is a lifeline for millions of Americans. It’s crucial that the Farm Bill maintains strong support for nutrition assistance programs to combat food insecurity and support vulnerable populations.”

The House bill also alters requirements for conservation funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, which was developed to support more climate-smart agriculture practices. This shift has raised concerns among advocates who argue that it undermines efforts to address climate change through sustainable farming. “I think [Republicans] are cynically looking at their constituency and what they believe their constituencies want and saying: Hey, we can convince them that climate change isn’t real, we can convince them that this money isn’t doing any good and put it into things that support big ag,” Kessler remarks. But, he says, “the polling doesn’t support that. Americans understand climate change.”

Support for small and mid-sized farms is another critical issue. These farms often struggle to compete with larger industrial operations and face unique challenges such as access to capital, markets, and technical assistance. Advocates are calling for targeted programs that provide financial support, training, and resources to help these farms thrive. Ferd Hoefner, Senior Strategic Advisor at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, highlighted the importance of these farms, saying, “Small and mid-sized farms are the backbone of rural America. We need policies that level the playing field and ensure they can compete and succeed.”

Crop insurance and commodity programs are fundamental components of the Farm Bill, providing financial safety nets for farmers. These programs are likely to see significant scrutiny as lawmakers balance the need to support farmers against concerns about cost and fairness. Discussions will include potential reforms to ensure these programs are equitable and fiscally responsible. Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, remarked, “Crop insurance is essential for protecting farmers from the risks of weather and market volatility. We need a Farm Bill that continues to provide robust support for these programs.”

Rural development and infrastructure are expected to be key priorities in the negotiations. Investments in broadband access, transportation, and rural healthcare are critical for the economic vitality of rural communities. Lawmakers will consider proposals aimed at enhancing infrastructure and promoting rural economic development. Roger Johnson, President of the National Farmers Union, underscored the importance of these investments, saying, “Investing in rural infrastructure is vital for the future of agriculture and rural communities. The Farm Bill should include strong provisions to support these essential needs.”

Equity and inclusion are gaining prominence in the Farm Bill discussions, with a growing recognition of the need to support historically underserved communities, including Black, Indigenous, and other minority farmers. Proposals aimed at addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity in agricultural programs will be a significant focus. John Boyd Jr., President of the National Black Farmers Association, highlighted the necessity of these measures, stating, “We need to ensure that all farmers have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. The Farm Bill must address the inequities that have long plagued our agricultural system.”

Research and innovation are crucial for the future of agriculture, and the Farm Bill is expected to include provisions to boost funding for agricultural research. This includes support for universities, extension services, and public-private partnerships aimed at advancing agricultural technology and practices. Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, President of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and former director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, emphasized the importance of research, saying, “Investing in research is essential for the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of American agriculture. The Farm Bill should prioritize funding for innovative research and development.”

As the Farm Bill negotiations unfold, the outcomes will have far-reaching implications for farmers, consumers, and the environment. The process will involve complex trade-offs and negotiations, with stakeholders from diverse sectors advocating for their priorities. Senator John Boozman, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, highlighted the collaborative nature of the process, stating, “We have a unique opportunity to craft a Farm Bill that addresses the pressing challenges of our time. By working together, we can create a bill that supports farmers, promotes sustainability, and ensures food security for all Americans.”

With climate change, equity, and innovation at the forefront, the latest Farm Bill negotiations promise to be a pivotal moment for American agriculture. The decisions made in this legislative process will shape the future of the food system, impacting everything from farm profitability to environmental health and community well-being. As stakeholders continue to engage in discussions, the goal remains clear: to build a resilient, sustainable, and equitable agricultural system for the future.