What should be in next federal farm bill? Rep. Andy Harris farmers in UMES visit

As the Agriculture Committee drafts the 2023 farm bill, Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md-1st, heard from stakeholders at a listening session on Friday at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Joining in the discussion were farmers, poultry industry representatives and financial lenders at the forefront of the next generation of agriculture concerns. Harris is the chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.

Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa-15th, who was also in attendance, is chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.

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A vital step in the legislative process

The bill will address a variety of agricultural areas as stake holders pointed out the increased strain they face with inflation costs, invasive species, increased federal regulation on the poultry industry and pollution standards. Even cyber security and supply chain issues were added to the list of topics.

As part of the bill's mandatory renewal from 2018, Harris noted these sessions are a vital asset to developing comprehensive sections of the law.

"These sessions are very important because the government has to set its priorities when it spends dollars," Harris said. "We have to get it right especially for agricultural districts like this and I feel very confident that we'll do that going forward. One thing we heard today was how overregulation really does hurt agricultural industries, and you never want to hamstring those areas of the economy."

Thompson echoed many of those sentiments and underscored how lawmakers are still listening to the public's concerns even after the official public comment period is over. As a key member of the committee that will hear the debate on the bill, he is sure critical analysis will take place in the coming weeks.

"We'll take a look at what we've heard and examine the existing policies in place and new things will emerge," Thompson said. "We need to assess what we can legislate and find the funding for those things we may consider novel. We're working on those things that we consistently hear about, but we're also looking at those unique solutions we want to implement."

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Bringing together people from both of the aisle is just the first step in garnering bipartisan support, Thompson noted.

Listening sessions in red and blue districts and states is already a sign of the strong support for a bill that improves on the 2018 version signed into law during the Trump administration.

A myriad of issues facing farmers, agriculture

Jenny Rhodes, owner of Deerfield poultry farm in Centreville, argued common sense approaches to any industry is important.

"Crop insurance remains agriculture's best friend. It's imperative to protecting us through federal programs. In this region, protecting our poultry growers from their chickens getting (diseases) is important. We're hoping the new bill looks at gaps in that program," Rhodes said.

Tyler Majchrzak, government affairs officer for Horizon Farm Credit, said the lifeblood for many farmers is loans. Current caps and other regulations, according to Majchrzak, were just some of the things hampering the industry.

"FSA and loan limits are currently capped at $2 million, and we're looking to increase that to $3 million. Farmers are crunched with inflation, and we need to modernize that system to match that. We would like to see the new farmer experience for (funding) to be lowered from three years to one year," Majchrzak said.

Even institutions like the University of Maryland Eastern Shore benefit from the farm bill as explained by Moses T. Kairo, professor and dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Science.

“It is always a privilege to showcase the important research and extension activities undertaken by our faculty and students," Kairo said. "This work addresses critical issues that impinge on our communities such as securing our food supply and safeguarding our natural resources. Without the resources provided through the farm bill, UMES would not be able to carry out this important work for the betterment of the state and beyond.”

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This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Rep. Andy Harris talks with farmers, more for input on 2023 farm bill