National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew has expressed mixed reactions following the recent passage of the budget reconciliation bill by both the House and Senate. In a statement, Larew acknowledged some positive aspects of the legislation but also voiced concerns about its broader implications.
Larew stated, "We appreciate the efforts of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to include long-overdue investments for family farmers and ranchers in this legislation. The bill strengthens the farm safety net, supports biofuels and conservation, and extends key tax incentives that help keep family farm operations viable." He credited these achievements to "persistent advocacy from our Farmers Union members across the country," highlighting their involvement during a Week of Action in May.
Despite these benefits, Larew pointed out significant drawbacks associated with the bill. He noted, "However, these gains are paired with harmful tradeoffs. Cuts to SNAP divide the farm bill coalition and reductions in Medicaid will have harmful effects on millions of Americans." According to Larew, such measures undermine farm policy's unifying purpose and jeopardize its future.
Looking forward, Larew called for continued legislative efforts: "Now, we urge lawmakers to build on these investments and finish the job. A comprehensive farm bill policy is still urgently needed, one that strengthens rural communities, ensures fair markets, and reflects the full scope of challenges facing today’s farm families." He affirmed NFU's commitment to working with congressional leaders towards achieving this goal.
