Washington Watch

NBGA Supports Assistance for Farmers Facing Losses

The NBGA endorsed a proposal introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS) to provide economic assistance for farmers. T he Farm Assistance and Revenue Mitigation Act (FARM Act) would provide emergency assistance to producers of eligible commodities for which the expected revenue in crop year 2024 is below the projected per-acre cost of production. This assistance is intended to help farmers pay down debt relative to the 2024 crop and assist them in obtaining financing for the 2025 crop year. The FARM Act has been endorsed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Sorghum Producers, National Sunflower Association, U.S. Canola Association, U.S. Peanut Federation, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, USA Rice, and Western Peanut Growers Association.

Congress will enact a disaster assistance package during the lame duck session in response to the hurricanes and other natural disasters that have occurred. It is uncertain if there will also be provisions for economic assistance for farmers suffering from low prices and high production costs. If economic assistance is provided, there will likely be alternatives to the FARM Act as Congress weighs the costs as well as the ability to get assistance distributed as quickly and efficiently as possible. NBGA will continue to engage with congressional offices on the need for economic assistance and the best way to deliver it.

Ag Groups Communicate Tax Policy Priorities

The NBGA joined over thirty agricultural groups on a letter to House Ways & Means Committee members highlighting the tax policy priorities for ag producers. Congress is preparing for comprehensive tax legislation next year as a number of major provisions expire at the end of 2025. The priorities identified in the letter include maintaining Stepped-Up Basis, Estate Tax Relief, making the Lower Individual Tax Rates and Expanded Tax Brackets Permanent, making 199A Qualified Business Income Deduction Permanent, maintaining Section 179 Expensing, restoring 100% Bonus Depreciation, maintaining 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges, and maintaining the 20% Capital Gains Rate.

NBGA Signs onto an Ag Inputs & Pest Management Tools Congressional Letter

The National Barley Growers Association signed a letter to Congress alongside 266 other organizations, addressing significant misunderstandings about the tools necessary for producing the nation’s food, fuel, and fiber. The letter emphasizes that pesticides and genetic innovations are safe, well-regulated, and essential for maintaining American agricultural competitiveness and national security.

Recent misinformation has raised concerns about these vital tools, which are crucial not only for farming but also for public health, land management, and infrastructure preservation. The letter urges Congress and federal regulators to reject any attempts to undermine the existing risk- and science-based regulatory frameworks that govern these technologies. Failing to support these frameworks could increase U.S. reliance on foreign sources for food and agricultural goods.

The letter warns that without access to these essential tools, farmers could face severe yield losses, negatively impacting food production and economic stability. It highlights the need for accurate information to ensure that consumers and policymakers understand the importance of these agricultural inputs for public health and food security.

The full letter can be found here.

Concerns Expressed Over Dietary Guidelines Review Process

Federal officials and experts are currently working to update the Dietary Guidelines, which are set to be released this year. However, bipartisan lawmakers have raised concerns about the review process for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), particularly regarding alcohol consumption.

In a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, lawmakers criticized the role of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD) in these updates. They argue that the committee should focus solely on preventing underage drinking rather than on consumption guidelines or policy.

Led by Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA), the lawmakers expressed worries that ICCPUD's involvement in alcohol guidelines may undermine its credibility and distract it from its primary mission. Former Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, who established the committee's authority, has echoed these concerns.

The congressional letter can be found here

NBGA Supports Beer Institute's Concerns Over Dietary Guidelines

The National Barley Growers Association (NBGA) is supporting the Beer Institute and other industry stakeholders in raising concerns about potential changes to the Dietary Guidelines regarding alcohol consumption.

The Beer Institute joined other stakeholders in a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra and USDA Secretary Vilsack in June, emphasizing the need for transparency and scientific rigor in developing the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This letter, signed by various stakeholders in the beverage alcohol sector, expresses concerns about potential biases in the guidelines regarding alcohol consumption. It urges Congress to ensure that the process for developing alcohol consumption guidelines is science-driven and transparent.

The full letter can be found here

EPA Launches Educational Toolbox on Pesticides and Endangered Species

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced an online toolbox with educational resources focused on mitigation measures and pesticide application that need to be implemented under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The toolbox features guidance documents, handouts, and webinars designed to educate various stakeholders, such as crop consultants and retailers, about ESA strategies and pesticide labeling.

This initial release consolidates existing resources and includes a new handout on Bulletins Live! Two. The EPA plans to update the toolbox with additional materials over time.

The toolbox can be found here

Industry Partner Bayer Provides Update on Modern Ag Alliance

The Modern Ag Alliance (MAA) was established to ensure farmers have access to safe and effective pesticides, including glyphosate. Health regulators around the world have repeatedly concluded that glyphosate products can be used safely, and that glyphosate is not carcinogenic and yet litigation continues to come forward against the product and the company (Bayer).

The Modern Ag Alliance (MAA) continues to seek legislative solutions to ensure farmers' continued access to critical crop protection tools. The number of states the Alliance is active in is expected to grow this year. That number remains in flux depending on the legislative landscape in about 20 additional states where there is potential for success. Given the anticipated growth of the efforts, there are plans to hire an executive director who will serve as the public face of the group, representing MAA in media and public events. The MAA plans to begin running ads soon in some states where the Alliance will be active. These ads may be digital, print, or radio and aim to educate about the importance of crop protection and glyphosate for farmers, American agriculture, and more.

For more information click here