The Alabama Farmers Federation is asking Congress to quickly provide both economic and disaster relief for America’s producers. The organization expressed particular concern about the inability of many farmers to make a profit this year.
ALFA President Jimmy Parnell said the fastest short-term solution would be for Congress to pass the continuing resolution released Tuesday funding the government through March 14.
The CR that Parnell has backed includes $10 billion in economic aid to row crop producers, as well as $21 billion for farmers recovering from natural disasters. It also extends the 2018 farm bill through September.
RELATED: As first Farm Bill in six years moves forward, Tuberville says Congress must get it right
“Farmers are facing the worst economic crisis since the 1980s,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “Low prices, high interest rates and skyrocketing production costs made it impossible for many farmers to turn a profit this year. Natural disasters and delays in passing a farm bill made matters worse. We appreciate Alabama’s Congressional delegation joining lawmakers from across the country in fighting to ensure farmers’ needs are addressed in the spending bill.”
“Farmers can’t wait 18 months for a new farm bill to go into effect. While $10 billion won’t make them whole, it will allow many to plant another crop.”
Parnell thanked Alabama’s Congressional delegation for their continued hard work advocating for the state’s producers.
“Alabama farmers are blessed to be represented in Washington by senators and congressmen who appreciate agriculture,” Parnell said. “They understand a country that can’t feed itself can’t defend itself. We thank them for standing up for Alabama farmers as Congress wrestles with the complexities of the continuing resolution.”
RELATED: Rep. Barry Moore: Thank a farmer, pass the Farm Bill
Two of the legislators in the group mentioned by Parnell posted on X about the immediate need to provide America’s farmers with assistance.
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), a member of the Senate Ag. Committee urged Congress to provide emergency economic support.
America has lost approximately 150,000 farms and 25,000 farmers over the past few years. We can’t afford to lose any more.
That’s why we need emergency economic assistance for farmers and a one-year farm extension of the Farm Bill for our farmers before the end of the year. pic.twitter.com/oKFvgtt8md
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) December 15, 2024
Another champion of farmers, Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), pointed to input costs and reference prices based on obsolete data as a driving factor in the worsening conditions.
Farmers’ input costs have been skyrocketing. Meanwhile reference prices are based on 12-year-old data. This is devastating those who feed & clothe America. With the Farm Bill 444 days overdue, it’s more critical than ever to get urgent relief for our agricultural community.
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) December 17, 2024
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries also posted on X about the “historic economic hardship” and stressed the need for “federal action.”
Farmers are facing historic economic hardships. Record inflation, high input costs, high interest rates and low prices for ag commodities could force many farms out of business or cause them to choose to no longer farm in 2025, if federal action is not taken by the U.S. Congress. pic.twitter.com/uTor0c3My5
— AlaAgriculture (@AlaAgriculture) December 17, 2024
Net farm income has fallen $70 billion since 2022 representing the fastest and largest decline in U.S. farm profitability, over a two-year period of time. Overall input costs are up $27 billion since 2021.
Congress has until December 20 to approve the stopgap measure and avoid a government shutdown.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
