Jackson Purchase News

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has commended U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, for presenting the Republican Farm Bill Framework.

On the Senate floor, Senator McConnell stated, “Ranking Member Boozman put forward a Republican Farm Bill Framework that would give our colleagues a good place to start. The Ranking Member’s plan reflects the actual reality of owning and operating a farm today. And it addresses the biggest bone of contention among American producers: Less fluff, and more farm in the Farm Bill. From bolstering the farmer safety net… To expanding our competitiveness in world markets… To providing new producers with the means to get off the ground.”

McConnell emphasized his extensive experience on the Agriculture Committee and expressed gratitude towards Boozman for his efforts. He urged bipartisan cooperation to provide stability to American farmers amidst an impending September expiration of the current Farm Bill.

“Unfortunately, with the Farm Bill’s September expiration fast approaching, Senate Democrats don’t seem to be in any rush to address farmers’ immediate needs,” McConnell added. “The Agriculture Committee’s majority has yet to introduce a bill, set a markup, or secure a single minute of floor time with the Democratic Leader.”

Senator McConnell has also engaged closely with Kentucky agricultural groups to ensure their concerns are reflected in any forthcoming legislation.

“It’s no secret that American farmers face a lot of uncertainty: unstable markets, volatile weather, and record drops in farm income,” he noted. “Certainty and stability oil the engine of American agriculture.”

Eddie Melton, President of the Kentucky Farm Bureau, praised both Boozman's framework and McConnell's involvement: “This framework addresses many of the concerns voiced by producers in recent years... It protects crop insurance and makes a much-needed investment in reference prices while also strengthening existing trade programs like Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD).”

Eric Heard, President of Kentucky Pork Producers, highlighted specific benefits for pork producers: “Senate Republicans’ framework will safeguard our producers from foreign animal diseases... Senator McConnell continues to show he will always stand up for Kentucky’s agriculture industry by putting forward a framework that puts farmers first.”

Adam Hendricks, President of Kentucky Soybean Association, also expressed support: “These proposed improvements to the farm safety net... offer Kentucky’s soybean producers stability and opportunity for growth.” He stressed particular importance on increased statutory reference prices for covered commodities and enhanced coverage levels under existing programs.