Today, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott and Committee Democrats published a memo laying out the principles the next farm bill should include to win the support of the House Democratic Caucus. The principles are distilled from farm bill priorities submitted by Democratic Members across the Caucus and represent the shared values of House Democrats, including protecting historic Inflation Reduction Act climate investments and SNAP.

“After months of Republican discord and disorder delaying the passage of the farm bill, the principles document presents an honest assessment of where House Democrats are on farm bill policy and offers our Republican colleagues an unambiguous and straightforward path to passing a strong, effective, and bipartisan farm bill,” said Ranking Member David Scott.

“Americans are counting on Congress to get a Farm Bill done, it’s America’s safety net. It bolsters our agricultural economy and ensures no American goes hungry. These principles reflect an effective roadmap that will grow the global competitiveness of American agriculture,” said Rep. Jim Costa, Ranking Member of the Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee.

“For years, we’ve worked to gather input from producers on the ground in districts like mine in Virginia and get a bipartisan Farm Bill across the finish line. As a committee, we’ve engaged in good-faith negotiations to make sure our efforts are responsive to the needs of crop and livestock producers across our country. As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology, I share our firm commitment to protecting historic conservation funding, strengthening opportunities for producers, and moving a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill to the President’s desk. We have made clear all along the necessary steps to accomplish this goal — and we are united at the negotiating table,” said Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Ranking Member of the Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology Subcommittee.

“It’s time to get to work and pass a farm bill that moves America forward. House Democrats are ready to listen, negotiate, and work constructively to finish the job. In support of a productive process, we’ve outlined our principles, including reducing hunger and improving equity. Where we stand is very clear. The farm bill matters for people in every county in this country and there is no more time to waste,” said Rep. Shontel Brown, Ranking Member of the General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee. 

“As a proud Representative of many rural communities in Colorado, I am strongly pushing for more and better opportunities for our rural communities. From basic services like healthcare and education to developments on rural broadband and infrastructure, we need to make sure our rural communities have the opportunity to thrive. As I work with my colleagues on a strong, effective, and bipartisan farm bill, I am eager to work on creating opportunities for rural communities and ensuring no American is left with underserved essential services,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, Ranking Member of the Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development Subcommittee.

“For the past several months, I have met with farmers and rural stakeholders across Oregon’s Sixth District about their priorities for the farm bill. What my colleagues and I have laid out today is a direct product of those conversations. Taken together, these principles represent a clear-cut, no-nonsense path to getting this legislation across the finish line with bipartisan support. Now, it is my hope that we can come together and finally pass a robust farm bill that includes these and many other top priorities for Oregonians,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas, Ranking Member of the Forestry Subcommittee.

According to the Democratic principles, “a strong, effective, and bipartisan farm bill must:”

·        Reduce hunger.

·        Strengthen America’s farmers.

·        Invest in sustainable agriculture.

·        Revitalize rural America.

·        Lower costs for farmers and families.

·        Improve equity.

·        Support renewable and bioenergy.