Illinois Farm Bureau Praises Passage of Senate Farm Bill

Calling it an important step in securing the future and stability of American agriculture, Illinois Farm Bureau is praising the Thursday passage of the Senate Farm Bill.

“Farmers throughout Illinois – and the United States – depend on the Farm Bill to help provide stability and manage risk in what is often a risky profession,” said Philip Nelson, president, Illinois Farm Bureau. “And, with current Farm Bill set to expire in September, it is extremely important that a new Farm Bill is passed yet this year. The Senate’s passage of their bill is definitely a step in the right direction.”

Still, Nelson added, the Senate Farm Bill is just the first step in the process. Despite the fact that the Senate has passed a version of the bill, the House of Representatives still must debate and pass their version before the two bills can be combined and sent to President Obama to be signed into law.

“We want to commend Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member Pat Roberts and the Senate Agriculture Committee on their commitment, hard work and the bipartisan fashion in which they handled this bill,” Nelson said. “We certainly hope the House of Representatives can build on this momentum and work toward passage of their bill in the coming weeks. It’s an important piece of legislation that farmers and consumers alike depend on.”