Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Pass the Farm Bill

Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska.  Family farms and ranches are passed down through generations.  Our farmers and ranchers put in long hours to feed and fuel the world.  We see this around the state, with harvest season in full swing.

For Nebraskans, agriculture is a cherished way of life.  This month, I talked to Nebraska producers at a Farm Bureau roundtable.  We discussed the policies needed to support farm country.  Our producers provide so much to us.  They deserve support. 

The Farm Bill would provide that support.  It addresses concerns that matter to Nebraska producers.  Through trade promotion and renewable fuel provisions, it would open new markets to Nebraska ag products.  It would secure year-round, nationwide E15.  Farmers and ranchers need certainty to make the best decisions for their operations.

The Farm Bill also includes six of my Nebraska priorities.

First, the FENCE Act.  This year, our state experienced historic wildfires. I saw the damage and met with impacted Nebraskans.  They shared that one-size-fits-all policies hinder their ability to rebuild.  That’s why I introduced the FENCE Act.  This bill would encourage the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to include virtual fencing as an option for Nebraskans.  This would provide our ranchers with more of the flexibility they need.

Floods are also devastating for our communities.  Flooding can cost agriculture businesses and rural communities billions.  In 2019, Nebraska experienced this directly.  We experienced the most widespread flooding in our state’s history.  My bipartisan Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act would improve flood protection and infrastructure resiliency.  It would cut red tape to help communities recover from disasters and reduce future damage.

My Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act would open new opportunities for rural small business owners.  It would expand access to capital for startup and development.  This would reward innovation and investment in rural parts of Nebraska.

I introduced the Organic Imports Verification Act to increase oversight of fake organic products imported by foreign nations.  Fraudulent organic imports hurt American farmers.  They also degrade consumer trust.  My bill would stop this.  It levels the playing field and safeguards our producers.

The Farm Bill also includes provisions of my AFIDA Improvements Act.  Foreign adversaries like Communist China want to buy our farmland.  That is a threat to our national security and food security.  My bill would help to keep farmland in the hands of American farmers and ranchers.  As we face threats abroad, this is more important than ever.

Finally, my SNAP Staffing Flexibility Act is in the Farm Bill. When Nebraskans apply for SNAP, they deserve timely approval.  Backlogs can burden states.  My bill would improve efficiency by allowing states to hire contractors when they don’t have sufficient staff.  This would help Nebraskans get the benefits they need on time.

All six of these common-sense provisions reflect Nebraska priorities.  They address top concerns for our farmers and ranchers.  They protect Nebraska’s agriculture sector and rural communities.

Nebraska’s future depends on farmers, ranchers, and agri-business.  For Nebraskans, agriculture is a proud generational business.  The Farm Bill supports agriculture today and protects the next generation of farmers and ranchers.  It’s common-sense legislation that strengthens America’s food security.  This is how we keep supporting the Good Life.  We need to pass the Farm Bill.

My team and I are here to serve you.  Contact us anytime by phone at 202-224-4224.  You can also view my website at https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.