By Scout Nelson
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, welcomed the committee’s approval of the Senate Farm Bill, calling it an important step forward for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities in Kansas and nationwide. The legislation will now move to the full Senate for consideration.
The bill incorporates several priorities backed by Moran that are intended to strengthen agricultural production, support conservation efforts, expand market access, and promote rural development. According to the senator, the measure provides greater certainty for producers navigating economic and market challenges.
“This is a critical step to advance a Farm Bill that provides certainty for farmers and ranchers in Kansas and across the nation,” said Sen. Moran. “The legislation secures several important priorities to benefit the agriculture community, including year-round E-15, modernized farm loan limits, strengthened conservation programs, expanded trade promotion and the permanent transfer of Food for Peace to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. When farmers and ranchers are successful, rural America is successful. I will continue working with my colleagues to get this Farm Bill across the finish line and to the President’s desk to be signed into law.”
One of the key provisions in the legislation is the authorization of year-round E-15 sales. Moran has long supported the measure, arguing that it will create additional demand for agricultural products used in ethanol production while helping consumers access lower-cost fuel options.
The Farm Bill also includes provisions aimed at strengthening the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Moran’s CRP Improvement and Flexibility Act would give livestock producers greater flexibility to use conservation land for grazing while continuing to support conservation objectives.
Another major component of the legislation is the increase in Farm Service Agency loan limits. The update is designed to better reflect modern agricultural costs and improve access to financing for farmers and ranchers.
To boost global competitiveness, the bill would double funding for USDA trade promotion programs. The additional investment is expected to help American agricultural producers expand exports and reach new international markets.
The legislation also incorporates Moran’s proposal to permanently transfer administration of the Food for Peace program to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The senator secured the measure through an amendment approved during the committee markup process.
Beyond agricultural policy, the bill contains the Rural Hospital Revitalization Act, which would provide temporary zero-interest loans for the construction and renovation of qualifying rural health facilities. It also includes the Farm to Fly Act, aimed at accelerating sustainable aviation fuel production through existing USDA programs and creating new opportunities for agricultural producers.
Another provision, the Colonel Gary LaGrange AgVets Act, seeks to expand career opportunities in agriculture for military veterans. The initiative would provide resources, training, and support through USDA programs to help veterans enter the agricultural sector.
During committee discussions, Moran emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation in advancing legislation that benefits farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. He noted that maintaining the Senate Agriculture Committee’s tradition of collaboration remains essential to delivering meaningful results.
With committee approval secured, the Farm Bill now advances to the full Senate. Moran said he will continue working with colleagues from both parties to move the legislation forward and ultimately send it to the President for signature.
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Categories: Kansas, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle