“The passage of a good farm bill benefits not only farmers and ranchers, but all Kansans,” Moran said.  “Agriculture is directly responsible for $10 billion of our state’s economy.  In addition to providing support for our farmers, the next farm bill will affect a broad range of issues, from the price that Kansans pay at the grocery store to the quality of our state’s streams and rivers.  I will work to make sure that the final bill we approve is a good farm bill for Kansas.”

The House passed their version of a farm bill, H.R. 2646, on October 5, while the Senate passed their bill on February 13.  The Conference Committee will meet over the coming weeks to work out differences between the two versions of the bill. 

The final farm bill will direct federal agriculture policy for farm commodity, environmental, conservation and rural development programs, among others. The bill will replace the current farm bill, which expires at the end of this year.  The bill approved by the committee will go through both the House and Senate for final approval, then on to the President for his signature.  

“Congressman Moran has worked hard to help pass the farm bill,” Committee Chairman Larry Combest said.  “While Congressman Moran is not a subcommittee chair, he has clearly proven his knowledge and understanding of issues affecting the Midwest and of farm policy in general.  His support for and leadership in agriculture will be valuable as we move forward with this process.”