YOUNG FARMERS WIN IN PROPOSED FARM BILL EXTENSION

Key farmer training, cost share and farm business support programs would be extended for one year in House proposal

TIVOLI, NY — The National Young Farmer’s Coalition (NYFC) supports the proposed extension to the 2008 Farm Bill, as filed by the House of Representatives on Saturday. This last minute measure will provide funding for critical farm programs that lost all funding when the Bill expired in October of this year.

“If passed, the proposed House extension package would be a huge relief for the nation’s farmers and consumers,” says Lindsey Lusher Shute, Director of the Coalition. “Congress is standing up for the programs that are strengthening independent farms and local food systems, including beginning farmer training, organic certification cost share, value added processing and farmers market promotion. These support programs can make or break new farm businesses.”

The House introduced the one-year extension of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 over the weekend and is expected to vote on the extension before the end of the year. The Congressional Budget Office’s analysis of the bill can be found here.

CONTACT: press@youngfarmers.org