Lawmakers promote Hoosier farm bill priorities

DANVILLE, Ind. — Several Indiana congressmen penned a letter highlighting the state’s priorities for the 2023 farm bill.

The letter was supported by Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Beef Cattle Association, Indiana Corn Growers Association, Indiana Pork Producers Association, Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana State Poultry Association.

“Hoosier farmers makeup the backbone of America,” said Rep. Jim Baird, chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Biotechnology and Research.

“With more than 55,000 farms across the state of Indiana, agriculture supports over 946,000 jobs and more than $193 billion in food and agricultural economic outputs.

“It is imperative that we pass a strong farm bill that protects our producers in order for them to continue providing safe, affordable and abundant food, fuel and fiber to the citizens of this nation and people around the world.”

The letter included support for robust crop insurance programs, conservation programs, food aid programs, foreign animal disease prevention, Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program.

“With 9.6 million acres in Indiana covered under federal crop insurance, we must prioritize risk management tools and funding for both federal crop insurance and commodity programs,” the letter says.

“Additionally, we support a robust crop insurance program, with no reductions in premium cost share, and support developing and maintaining adequate risk management tools for livestock producers including contract growers.

“Finally, strong consideration should be given to increasing references prices combined with an option for farmers to update base acres. Planting flexibility must be maintained.”

The letter was signed by nine members of Congress. Read the complete letter at https://tinyurl.com/n8rvbrns.