The chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee recently said Congress will take some action on the farm bill renewal early next year but it will be 2002 before lawmakers pass a final bill.

Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., has said it will likely take an entire year to write the legislation. He further said the legislation would include more issues such as conservation and food safety.

NCBA will remain an active participant in the farm bill debates.

“It’s important to ensure the final program continues to move agriculture toward a more market-driven structure,” said Bryan Dierlam, NCBA associate director of agriculture policy.