North Dakota Farmers Union called for bipartisan cooperation today after the Senate Agriculture Committee advanced its version of the farm bill on a party-line vote, sending the bill to the full U.S. Senate.
“There are good provisions in this bill for farmers and ranchers,” NDFU President Matt Perdue said. “Farmers and ranchers need certainty, and they need Congress to get a farm bill across the finish line. It’s time to find common ground, so we can get this thing done.”
The bill includes key priorities for family farmers and ranchers, including year-round E15, mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) and measures to address high input costs, such as the Fertilizer Transparency Act.
“There are no shortage of challenges facing family farmers and ranchers,” said Perdue. “A gallon of diesel costs more than a bushel of durum. We need a farm bill that responds to those challenges.”
Perdue urged lawmakers in both parties to build on the progress made in committee and work through their remaining differences.
“Time is running out to get this farm bill done. We need Congress to come together and pass a meaningful farm bill for farmers, ranchers, rural communities and consumers,” Perdue emphasized.