FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: https://www.youngfarmers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Screen-Shot-2021-08-17-at-2.19.49-PM-2-1.png, press@youngfarmers.org | View full release and contacts
STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF THE 2018 FARM BILL
Washington, DC (December 21, 2018) – The 2018 Farm Bill, signed into law today, is a victory for the farm community, national unity, food security, and local economies. Because of this bill, young farmers will have more of the support they need to find success in an increasingly complicated agricultural sector. This farm bill’s programs will offer the capital that young farmers need to buy their first tractor, and their first farm – as well as the support and training that they require to turn these investments into a lifelong career on the land. For every young farmer who spoke up for the future of rural America and agriculture, and everyone who stood with them, this victory is yours.
Despite these victories, we are frustrated to see President Trump get in the way of this bipartisan effort with new proposed restrictions on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that were soundly rejected by both parties in the farm bill negotiation process. These changes must be challenged as an obvious overstep of authority by the administration, and an affront to Congress and the millions of Americans who came together around the farm bill compromise.
As farmers, we are firmly opposed to USDA’s announcement of additional restrictions in nutrition assistance programs. Our job is to make nutritious food accessible to all people, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a critical component of this mission.
The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) is a national advocacy network of young farmers fighting for the future of agriculture. Visit NYFC on the web at youngfarmers.org, and on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
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