The 2018 Farm Bill expired in 2023 but was extended until September 30^th.  The nation is now operating without a Farm Bill.  USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack recently commented, “We are quickly running out of time this fall for this Congress to come together to address the Farm Bill in a bipartisan way.  Either we have a real bipartisan deal on a new Farm Bill or at a minimum, an extension of the existing Farm Bill.

Some observers believe that a Farm Bill will be passed by both Chambers during the “lame duck” session following the election.  Opposition to SNAP benefits and the magnitude of SNAP benefits and eligibility are questioned by members of the respective House and Senate Committees.  Democratic members of both committees are opposed to funds being transferred from social benefits to price support.  According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the proposal emanating from the House Committee underestimates cost and will add materially to the national deficit.

It is noted that in the event of punitive tariffs being imposed on China, farmers would lose export markets, reducing the price of commodities. This will intensify financial stress on farmers who will require Federal support since market prices will be lower than production cost.