By Clint Thompson and Josh McGill
The lack of farm bill progression is enough to dampen the optimism that industry experts might have that one gets passed this year. But according to Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner, he believes the eagerness to get a farm bill passed will be enough to push it over the finish line.
“I have spoken with enough members of the House and the Senate and the leadership that I really think they want a farm bill. I think there is a path, and listen, I’ll admit it’s optimistic, but I think there’s a path that when the Senate comes back in September, that they work out the issues on nutrition,” Joyner said. “And I think the committee passes a bill, could be in September. I think they can conference those bills, House, Senate.
“Again, as we talked about, the House has already passed a bill in April, and I may be wrong on this, but I really believe November, December, and what we call a lame duck Congress, I think we could get a farm bill done. I think the need is there. I think these members recognize the need. They’ve just got a few of these issues to work through.
“I don’t question that they want to get this done. I think they can.”
If It Fails?
If the farm bill fails to pass, it would be disastrous for the industry.
“What’s at stake here? If (it doesn’t pass), it rolls over. You have to start from scratch because it’s a new Congress,” Joyner said. “If you have the Democrats take the House or the Senate, then that farm bill is going to look very different; probably going to spend more time and more money on nutrition programs. “There’s a number of reasons why I think a lot of people want to get this done.”