Keystone Today

House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15) released further information today regarding the bipartisan policies and priorities included in the 2024 Farm Bill. This announcement was accompanied by an open letter addressed to colleagues and stakeholders.

In his open letter, Chairman Thompson detailed his commitment to protecting the nation's food supply and strengthening its agricultural value chain. He expressed his dedication to listening to constituents from both urban and rural districts, emphasizing the need for a farm bill that preserves and protects American agriculture.

Thompson stated, "I have long been clear in my intent: any farm bill must align the farm safety net with the needs of producers, make long-term investment in locally led, voluntary, incentive-based conservation practices, expand market access and trade promotion opportunities, strengthen program operations to demand transparency and accountability to the taxpayer, revitalize rural communities and economies, and reinforce not only the importance of helping our neighbors in need but doing so without indiscriminate expansion of our nutrition safety net."

The 2024 Farm Bill has been designed with these challenging times in mind. It takes into account the diverse constituency of the 118th Congress as well as the differing opinions of producers and consumers alike. Thompson asserted that it does not favor any fringe agenda or harm existing programs that feed, fuel, or clothe the nation.

Addressing critics who aim to divide the Committee and disrupt its process, Thompson reiterated that a farm bill has traditionally been a product of consensus requiring tough conversations from both sides. He affirmed that while his mark is nearly finalized, he remains open to dialogue.

"We have come too far," Thompson concluded in his letter. "And I will not put politics over people."

For additional details on the 2024 Farm Bill as they become available, visit: agriculture.house.gov/FarmBill