The Senate Ag Appropriations Committee approved a $25.85 billion fiscal-year 2022 bill for the Agriculture Department and related agencies, including $7 billion in disaster aid.
Subcommittee Chair Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin says the bipartisan legislation is a product of Democrats and Republicans working together to support a stronger and more resilient ag economy that works for farmers, ranchers, and families in rural communities.
“This bipartisan legislation will drive economic opportunities to farmers and invest in the long-term health of our working lands,” Baldwin says. “It will also invest in broadband and ensure that people facing challenging times have tools to move towards nutrition, health, and housing security.”
The bill also includes investments to support the Dairy Business Innovation Program, Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, and research priorities for dairy, specialty crops, and organic farmers. The fiscal year 2022 appropriation bill includes $2.5 billion more than the 2020 funding levels.
The full Senate Appropriations Committee will take up the legislation on Wednesday. The disaster assistance funds will help producers who suffered losses due to drought, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other qualifying disasters during 2020 and 2021.
(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)