The $81 billion House disaster aid package includes provisions for cotton growers and limited support for dairy producers.
The National Farmers Union says both cotton and dairy farmers need appropriations fixes before the start of the next farm bill. The bill, however, offsets part of the cost by making changes to nutrition infrastructure.
NFU President Roger Johnson says the organization supports changes for cotton and dairy farmers, but remains opposed to “farm programs being pitted against nutrition programs.” Further, Johnson says the dairy industry needs more help than outlined in the bill, calling the support level “very disappointing,” as dairy producers continue to struggle with low milk prices and a “deeply flawed safety net program.”
The bill also includes $2.6 billion for Florida agriculture for producers who have suffered hurricane-related losses.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.