In The News

Originally Published in WFXG.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) - The Farm Bill is a piece of Federal Legislation that is passed once every five years.

The bill originally dates back to 1933...At that time it was called the Agricultural Adjustment Act, and was part of the new deal.

The most recent version of the bill was passed in 2018...So it is almost time for lawmakers to pass a new version.

“428 billion dollars. About 100 billion of that goes to the farmers, and to conservation and disaster programs for farmers. So to help them to grow their commodities and everything else when they are in dire need. But most of it actually goes to the food stamp program which is the food stamp program,” said Jim Steed.

Just over 75 percent of the current bill costs fall under the nutrition category  – which involves SNAP benefits, while the remaining costs are crop insurance, commodities, and conservation.

The bill expires every five years…

It is then updated, debated and passed by Congress…landing on the President's desk.

In a statement from Congressman Rick Allen…

“With agriculture being the number one industry in our district and state, I know how important the Farm Bill is to provide certainty for our Georgia-12 farmers and to ensure America produces the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food supply in the world. As I’ve traveled the 12 District, the number one concern I hear from our producers is declining margins — primarily caused by inflation, supply chain disruptions, and rising input costs combined with depressed commodity prices. I remain committed to working with colleagues to ensure any Farm Bill reauthorization not only meets the needs of farmers in Georgia’s 12th District but also across our state,” stated by Rep. Allen.

“It helps us with the commodity pricing, so if it dips below a certain point it kinda reimburses the farmers, or subsidizes the farmers for their loss,” said Jim Steed.

A number of things can impact local farmers and result in a loss of crops, including freezes, hurricanes, pests, disease, and inflation.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we have seen a rapid decline of farms since the 1930's, and in the last 20 years, it is still on the downward slope.

“Two percent of the population was farmers, and now it is down to 1.7. So we are gradually losing farmers,” said Jim Steed.

And how can you help change the sliding trend?

“Buy local, and especially buy American made stuff. So we can support our farmers and keep the ones we do have and keep it from sliding,” said Jim Steed.

This week is Georgia Agriculture Awareness Week.

It's important to emphasize how the farming industry helps shape the American economy...

From the food you eat, to the clothes you wear, to the house you live in and so much more.

This week is about appreciation to farmers, so if you see one, or know one, give them a call and thank them for their hard work.