Farm Bill Energy Programs Need Mandatory Funding

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) today
released draft farm bill legislation – the Agriculture and Nutrition Act
of 2018 – that would provide only discretionary funding for energy
programs. The Agriculture Energy Coalition greatly appreciates the
Chairman’s proposal to reauthorize these important programs; however, we
continue to urge Congress to provide the programs strong mandatory
funding in the upcoming Farm Bill and to keep this jobs and
manufacturing title intact. In addition, detailed
Coalition recommendations for improving the programs should be
adopted in the near future. The Farm
Bill energy title programs have a demonstrated record of success in
strengthening the economic health of rural communities and contributing
to the ongoing vitality of our nation’s farms, ranches, and forests.

Lloyd Ritter, director of the Agriculture Energy Coalition, stated, “As
farmers face low commodity prices, anxiety over trade disputes and
greater uncertainty in the market, they will need the farm bill energy
programs more than ever to open markets for value-added products. The
farm bill energy title programs build infrastructure, attract private
investment and spur innovation in rural America. And they have a
successful record in creating and expanding economic opportunities for
rural America.

“Energy title programs represent less than one tenth of 1 percent of
farm bill spending. But they generate a strong return for rural
communities, through increased investment in local businesses, energy
security, and new market opportunities for U.S. agriculture. More than
17,000 projects across the United States — in every state – have been
able to leverage these programs to attract investment – more than $5
billion to date.

”We look forward to working with Congress to reauthorize the energy
title programs with appropriate mandatory funding to ensure their
continued success.”

Contacts

Agriculture Energy Coalition
Lloyd Ritter, 202-215-5512