TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly sent a letter to leaders of the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committees urging them to prioritize Kansas farmers and ranchers in the upcoming Farm Bill. The bill, which is updated every five years, shapes key aspects of U.S. agriculture and food policy. Initial talks have begun for the 2023 Farm Bill.
“Considering our farmers and ranchers feed – and fuel – the world, there is no state more invested in the Farm Bill than Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It is imperative that the next Farm Bill make the investments in our rural communities to set Kansas farmers, ranchers, and producers up for success for generations to come.”
In the letter, Governor Kelly advocated for increasing regional food sources and investing in the technological innovation that will drive down food prices long-term.
“More of our farmers are aging into retirement, yet they aren’t being replaced because young people either don’t see a future at home or do not have access to the capital and other resources necessary to continue their family’s legacy,” she wrote. “The next Farm Bill should knock down barriers for young people and small farms in the agriculture industry so we can increase regional food sources – which would have the added benefits of addressing food deserts and making our supply chain more competitive and sustainable.”
Governor Kelly urged the committees to explore solutions to help farmers and ranchers impacted by prolonged drought, severe floods, wildfires, and extreme temperatures – and to do so in a way that lowers grocery prices.
She wrote, “Instead of placing burdensome regulations on farmers and ranchers with already thin margins, the next Farm Bill should invest in voluntary conservation programs, drought-resistant crops like sorghum and cotton, robust crop insurance, and biological and technological innovation that will drive down the cost of regenerative agriculture in the long run.”
Stakeholders in the Kansas agricultural community will continue to lobby Congress in the upcoming months.
Governor Kelly’s letter can be found at https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2023-Farm-Bill-Letter.pdf.
