Today, Secretary Vilsack joined the President in Michigan to sign the 2014 Farm Bill, an accomplishment that would not have been possible without your engagement. Last year we began the #MyFarmBill campaign in an effort to share with all Americans the need for a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill to keep up momentum in American agriculture. Today that bill was signed and we are able to move forward to do work that grows the rural economy and creates jobs.
The new Farm Bill will allow the proud men and women who feed millions around the world to invest confidently in the future. While no legislation is perfect, this bill is a strong investment in American agriculture and supports the continued global leadership of our farmers and ranchers. Take a look at how your voices were included in the 2014 Farm Bill:
New Farm Bill Provision: Conservation programs will be streamlined to better target limited resources to areas of highest need, while building on record conservation and stewardship efforts underway today.
New Farm Bill Provision: Recognizing the potential of new and expanding markets for the agriculture industry, the farm bill expands support for organic producers, including new crop insurance provisions and additional funding for critical scientific research. Local and regional food systems also receive a critical boost under the new legislation, with additional support for food hubs, farmers markets and on-farm businesses with a local or regional focus.
New Farm Bill Provision: The new Farm Bill achieves meaningful reform by eliminating direct payments, while taking steps to improve the farm safety net for new and beginning farmers and ranchers, many of whom are veterans, to ensure the next generation of producers has the tools they need to succeed.
Stay tuned as USDA begins to implement the 2014 Farm Bill, we’ll keep you updating on our Farm Bill web page, sign up to receive e-mail notifications, and continue using #MyFarmBill on social media.