Agricultural News
OSU's Amy Hagerman Says 2023 Farm Bill Conversations Begin Now
Fri, 20 Aug 2021 12:13:51 CDT
The 2023 Farm Bill is still two years away but Amy Hagerman, agriculture and food policy specialist for Oklahoma State University, told Radio Oklahoma's own KC Sheperd, that now is the time to get a seat at the table.
"This is the time to engage and start talking about the issues and what worked and what didn't in the Farm Bill that started in 2018," Hagerman said.
At this point, most activity surrounding the 2023 Farm Bill is happening at the local level, Hagerman said. She advises agricultural producers who want to be represented in the future bill to participate in listening sessions, engage with producer organizations, engage with local legislators. The important talking points will be what has affected producers most, how things have changed in terms of markets and operations over the last few years, she added.
"When we're talking about starting the conversation, we're talking about local-level, grassroots conversations that will eventually, over the course of the next few years, make it all the way up to those closed-door conversations happening in Washington D.C.," Hagerman said.
Hagerman said the Farm Bill is massive, which is why conversations must start now.
"It covers a lot of ground," Hagerman said.
Under the umbrella of the Farm Bill are the typical topics you would expect, like small farming operations, conservation and crop insurance, up through the supply chain to national topics like international trade, according to Hagerman. Also under the Farm Bill umbrella are less obvious relations to U.S. agriculture, like school lunch programs, extension services and research funding, she added.
"There is only so much pie to go around," Hagerman said. "Knowing those priorities and what's important helps legislators divvy up the pie - so if it's an issue that is important to you, get at the table."
Based on the last few years, Hagerman said she expects disaster programs to be a big aspect of the upcoming Farm Bill.
Hit the LISTEN BAR below to hear more from Amy Hagerman, where she tells KC what will be important for Oklahoma in the 2023 Farm Bill.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...
