The U.S. House Ag Committee is starting preliminary work on a new farm bill.
On Wednesday, the committee will hold a hearing on the state of the farm economy which will feature a panel of economists who will discuss challenges farmers and ranchers are facing. The recent USDA forecast for net farm income shows a 45 percent drop from 2013 to 2016 and is expected to decline again this year.
The committee will hear testimony on restricting the types of foods that can be purchased for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on Thursday. Nutrition advocates and the food & beverage industry have historically fought any limits on SNAP purchases.
Chairman Mike Conaway says he plans to start holding subcommittee hearings on the farm bill when lawmakers return from the President’s Day recess.
Source: brownfieldagnews.com