U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), both members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today urged U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to prioritize implementation of the conservation and commodity title programs of the 2018 farm bill. This letter follows up on Thune-Brown legislation that was included, in part, in the 2018 farm bill to strengthen the commodity title, and it underscores Thune and Brown’s active role in developing the farm bill’s conservation title.
“Consequently, timing is of the essence in the delivery and implementation of all farm bill programs, but especially the commodity and conservation title programs,” the senators wrote. “At the request of, and with input from, farmers and ranchers across the country, the 2018 farm bill includes multiple provisions designed to help alleviate many of today’s current economic and land stewardship challenges. These programs will help provide much needed certainty for farmers and ranchers as they prepare for the economically challenging 2019 crop year. As USDA is drafting farm bill regulations and policies, we stand ready to work with you and members of your staff to ensure congressional intent is fulfilled.”
On Thursday, February 28, Perdue will testify in front of the Senate Agriculture Committee on the agency’s progress in implementing the 2018 farm bill.
