NUMEROUS GROUPS CALLING FOR NEW FARM BILL

(BLOOMINGTON) More than 500 groups, including the Illinois Farm Bureau, has signed onto a letter to congressional leaders, calling for passage of a new, modernized Farm Bill. Representing agriculture, nutrition, conservation, the environment, rural development, & several other sectors, the groups recognize that time is running out to craft and pass a new Farm Bill this year, plus they note that passing a stopgap extension will put the process at risk of further delay following the presidential election, the seating of a new Congress, and other legislative priorities. Farm Bureau officials say when more than 500 groups, many of which typically have competing agendas, come together and speak with one voice, it clearly demonstrates the urgency and importance of passing a new Farm Bill as soon as possible.