Farm Bureau Calls on Congress for Special Economic Assistance for Agriculture
Over the course of the last eight weeks, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, Delta Council, Mississippi Bankers Association, and the Mississippi farm credit banks have worked diligently together to educate policy makers in Washington regarding the dire situation of the agricultural economy.
Meetings have been held with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, U.S. Congressman Trent Kelly, U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson, U.S. Congressman Michael Guest, and U.S. Congressman Mike Ezell in state.
On September 6, over 35 agricultural associations and businesses filed a letter to the MS Congressional delegation calling on this special assistance for agriculture. The letter states:
“Even if the farm bill were passed today, much-needed assistance would not reach producers until the fall of 2026. Given these challenges, we respectfully request your urgent consideration of emergency economic assistance for production agriculture before the end of the year. Without significant action by Congress, we fear widespread bankruptcies and an overall economic disaster in the Mississippi farming community, which would have devastating effects on many of our rural communities across the state.”
The letter can be viewed here.
MFBF staff and leadership have also been in Washington visiting with other congressional members. On September 17-19, MFBF staff spent three (3) days and held over 18 meetings on this issue. Meetings were held with the offices of: U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA), U.S. Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL), U.S. Senator Shelli Capito (R-WV), U.S. Congressman David Valadao (R-CA), U.S. Congressman Greg Steube (R-FL), U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee staff, U.S Senate Appropriations Committee staff, and other commodity groups.
On September 20, the America Farm Bureau Federation led a letter to Congress signed by all 50 state farm bureaus. The letter states:
“To ensure the food security of our nation and to continue to be a leader in feeding, fueling, and clothing the world, leaders in Washington must make real investments in hardworking American farm and ranch families, as well as our rural communities that support them. All consumers rely on a strong and vibrant food economy each time they visit a restaurant, grocery store, or food pantry. We respectfully ask Congressional leaders to act on a stronger farm safety net by passing a new farm bill and providing needed disaster and economic assistance before the end of the year. The food security of our nation is dependent on Congress delivering immediate results.”
The letter can be viewed here.
MFBF President Mike McCormick stated, “This is priority number one for our federal legislative efforts. We understand the dire situation that a large portion of our members are currently facing. I can assure you, we will push forward through the October work period into November when Congress returns to Washington.”