Amarillo Gazette

Last week, the House Committee on Agriculture passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 by a vote of 33-21. This legislation focuses on production agriculture, locally led conservation programs, rural community investments, and food supply chain security. Congressman Ronny Jackson expressed support for the bill.

Rep. Jackson stated: "I am proud of my work on the House Committee on Agriculture which passed a Farm Bill to revitalize rural America and empower our agricultural producers. I want to thank Chairman Thompson for his leadership in delivering one of the most critical pieces of legislation for Texas’ Thirteenth Congressional District. As the representative for the number one agriculture-producing district in Texas, I worked in lockstep with farmers and ranchers across the state to ensure that this bill focuses on the needs of our rural communities. This Farm Bill will enhance our foreign animal disease prevention capabilities, bolster the farm safety net, and defend our agricultural lands from being overtaken by foreign adversaries such as China."

Chairman Thompson added: "The House Committee on Agriculture has worked exhaustively to craft an effective Farm Bill that meets the needs of our hardworking farmers, revitalizes rural America, and strengthens our national security. Thank you to Rep. Jackson for his leadership throughout this process. I am confident that the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 will provide certainty to producers and consumers in Texas and across the nation."

The bill includes several provisions aimed at supporting livestock:

- Investments to protect against foreign animal diseases through Rep. Jackson’s Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2023.

- The Livestock Indemnity Program Enhancement Act establishing additional payment rates for unborn livestock death losses.

- Assistance for dairy producers in implementing biosecurity measures during High Path Avian Influenza outbreaks.

- USDA collaboration with universities to reduce cattle tick fever spread.

- Enhanced USDA regionalization agreements for continued international trade during animal disease outbreaks.

- Protection against increased costs from patchwork regulations by other states.

- Increased Tier I coverage cap for Dairy Margin Coverage program to six million pounds.

For crop insurance and farm safety nets:

- Evaluation requirement for reduced crop insurance coverage due to late planting dates in Texas Panhandle corn production.

- Oversight language for Secretary Vilsack’s Emergency Relief Program implementation concerning discriminatory compensation practices.

- Enhanced statutory reference prices under Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program reflecting 2024 production costs.

- Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) program guarantee raised to 90 percent.

- One-time base acre update allowing broader participation in PLC and ARC programs.

- Increased premium support and maximum coverage level for Supplemental Coverage Option insurance aiding cotton producers.

Regarding conservation efforts:

- Expedited emergency grazing permissions on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres during wildfires.

- CRP modernization prioritizing marginal land enrollment over prime farmland preservation.

- Coordination with land grant universities like Texas A&M for feral swine eradication efforts.

- Reinstated Environmental Quality Incentive Program provision allocating 50 percent funds towards livestock needs.

- A historic 25 percent investment increase in working lands conservation programs incorporating precision agriculture technologies.

In terms of rural community support:

-The Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program Act preventing hospital closures in rural areas included by Rep. Jackson.

-Rural Internet Improvement Act enhancing ReConnect Rural Broadband Program championed by Rep. Jackson included in legislation language.

-Reauthorization of Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program connecting healthcare professionals with rural communities emphasized within provisions encouraging veterinarian services job creation through Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant Program funding essential water systems development.

Russell Boening from Texas Farm Bureau praised Congressman Jackson's leadership: “Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) commends... Congressman Ronny Jackson... We are proud his Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) Enhancement Act... is included in the bill.”

Gene Lowrey from Texas Cattle Feeders Association highlighted significant improvements: “TCFA applauds House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson... With support from TCFA-area members...the chairman passed a bill containing some of the most meaningful improvements...”

Kody Bessent from Plains Cotton Growers noted positive provisions addressing key issues faced by cotton producers: “Plains Cotton Growers Inc...(PCG)... greatly appreciate(s) efforts led by Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson...(RPA)...and Members like Rep Ronny Jackson(RTX)... crafted strong safety net..."

Jody Bellah from Texas Wheat Producers Association acknowledged enhancements supported by wheat growers: "The Texas Wheat Producers Association commends... passage...of much-needed enhancements supported by Texas wheat growers..."

Alan Morgan from National Rural Health Association applauded investments in rural health: "The National Rural Health Association is extremely pleased… Representatives Jackson’s… authorizing… Rural Health Care Facilities Technical Assistance Program…"