In Washington, D.C., the National Association of Farm Broadcasters visited with U.S. Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson. As the House Ag Committee Chair, Thompson talks about working in the best interests of ag producers in the 2023 farm bill.
Thompson first highlighted the importance of strengthening crop insurance because it provides it is a great tool for producers to use.
“Agriculture is capital intensive, credit, you need that, and the lenders like crop insurance,” Thompson said.
Part of what Thompson said is focusing on includes incorporating outside disaster relief into the farm bill.
“Eighty percent of what we spent on agriculture was outside the farm bill through disaster relief, but it didn’t come with any certainty,” Thompson said. “I am absolutely certain that there are farms and ranches and probably forestry operations that went out of business before those disaster checks arrived. That is not helpful, and there is no certainty. Lenders don’t like it, so it is difficult to borrow and get the credit you need.”
It could be more affordable for the government, Thompson said, if some disaster relief was put into the space of crop insurance.
“It won’t be everything because when you are wrestling with nature, there is always a curveball that comes in someplace that we need to be able to respond to, but as you all know, disaster relief is tough,” Thompson said. “It takes Congress a long time to do the right thing.”
Of the many concerns Thompson has heard from producers, he said, water availability has been a common trend. In his travels talking with producers from around the country, Thompson said he has gained valuable information and input for the writing of the 2023 farm bill.
“Bringing these voices back is extremely important,” Thompson said. “I think it also helps in gaining some support for the farm bill.”
Thompson said he is pleased with the process so far and is pushing for a highly effective, bipartisan farm bill that is on time.
