WC Wisconsin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) voted in support of the House Committee on Agriculture’s advancement of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, commonly known as the ‘Farm Bill’. Following its passage out of committee, Congressman Van Orden stated:

“For the first time in over a decade, Wisconsin had a seat at the table in building the Farm Bill. We are America’s Dairyland and one of the leading states in the country for soybean, corn, and potato production, so this is one of the most important bills we have completed this Congress that directly impacts the people in my district. America’s farmers and agricultural producers provide not just for our nation but also for the world, and this year’s Farm Bill delivers for those who keep us fed, fueled, and clothed.

“Dairy farmers work incredibly hard, and they need to know Congress has their backs. We are bringing their products back to our schools through the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act so kids can get the nutrients they need to be healthy. I also cosponsored the Dairy Farm Resiliency Act to increase the cap on Tier I coverage for the Dairy Margin Coverage program to six million pounds to provide a more robust safety net for producers and ensured we maintained the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives.

“As a Member on the Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture Subcommittee, I am proud of the protections we provided for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The SNAP provisions in the 2024 Farm Bill maintain cost-of-living adjustments to account for inflation and prevent future administrations from bypassing Congress to make changes to SNAP, ensuring that folks who need a hand up are able to receive one. We are also making sure Americans have clean water with inclusion of Healthy H2O Act to continue our efforts in filtering PFAS out of families’ drinking water.

“A farmer’s products cannot get to our tables without a strong workforce which is why I am incredibly proud that my Ag Vets Act is in Farm Bill so farmers can meet their labor demands while simultaneously supporting veterans entering agriculture industry.

“I am proud of work done with my Republican committee colleagues on this year’s Farm Billand look forward to it providing for Wisconsin nation world.”

Passage of this year’s Farm Bill includes five policies introduced or cosponsored by Rep. Van Orden including:

The Ag Vets Act which directs U.S. Secretary Agriculture award competitive grants prepare veterans entering farming ranching industries

The Healthy H2O Act which provides direct assistance rural communities households nonprofits test drinking water fund filtration technology

The Dairy Farm Resiliency Act increase cap Tier I coverage Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program six million pounds

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act amend current restrictions permit schools offer students whole reduced-fat low-fat – flavored unflavored milk

Inclusion Hot Foods Study

The 2024 Farm Bill also includes many Congressman Van Orden’s top priorities:

Uplifting Dairy Farmers Producers

Maintains Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives commitment work increase funding levels $16 million

Restores Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs) “higher-of” formula calculation price Class I (fluid) milk

Adds requirement collect publish cost-of-production data organic milk Organic Production Market Data Initiative

Allows farmers voluntarily enter forward price contracts handlers pooled milk used Class II III IV purposes under FMMOs permits regulated handlers pay farmers accordance terms forward contract instead paying minimum federal order blend price pooled milk

Growing Markets Research Workforce

Maintains mandatory funding Farming Opportunities Training Outreach Program encourage assist socially disadvantaged veteran farmers ranchers beginning farmers ranchers

Increases funding Specialty Crop Research Initiative

Maintains mandatory funding Organic Agriculture Research Extension Initiative

Expands reach impact Market Access Program (MAP) Foreign Market Development (FMD) allowing heightened market access trade promotion

Improves crop insurance expanding premium assistance beginning veteran farmers utilizes research development programs enhances specific coverage options reduce need unbudgeted ad hoc disaster assistance

Provides one-time opportunity establish base acres producers (1) currently do not have base; or (2) whose average plantings from 2019-2023 exceed existing base farm

Protecting Federal Nutrition Assistance

Maintains cost-of-living adjustments ensure SNAP benefits continue account inflation

Implements policy prevent future administration bypassing Congress unilaterally cut expand SNAP benefits

Supporting Organic Industry

Continues fund Organic Certification Cost Share Program provides Organic Production Market Data Initiatives

Provides Secretary authority provide technical assistance outreach education support organic production existing programs across various agencies within USDA

Closing Digital Divide

Develops multifaceted approach rural broadband brings together all available technology create resilient flexible widespread network rural broadband capability

Integrates ReConnect Program into Farm Bill Rural Broadband Program maintaining dedicated funds program