“Waiting till next year would be a mistake.” That’s the prognosis from Dr. Rob Johansson of the American Sugar Alliance regarding the next farm bill. “Two years’ worth of hearings have documented a brewing financial crisis caused by falling commodity prices, high input costs, and tightening farm credit,” he said. “It’s time for Congress to act.”

Johannson was the USDA Chief Economist when the last farm bill was written and saw firsthand the impacts of a trade war, COVID, and climate on America’s agricultural and food system.

“The level of farm assistance has fallen to its lowest level relative to farm income since 1981,” Johansson said. “It’s clear that the current suite of farm programs is fraying at the edges, farms are leaving agriculture, and farmland is being paved over.” He added the need for improved certainty is vital for securing credit needed for the next planting season and long-term investments in productivity.