As of September 30th, the 2008 Farm Bill expired.
Big deal?
As a result some of the programs and safety nets for farmers have also expired. This will have the biggest impact on dairy farmers. They will no longer be able to receive supplemental payments as part of the November check off. (Sources: CBS News)
Crop insurance will remain in place. The 2008 bill covered insurance through 2012, but of course the 2013 season, which is right around the corner, is not funded and gives a great deal of uncertainty.
According to Dale More, public policy deputy at AFBF, “Right now the main issue is the uncertainty… The biggest thing by not knowing what the new farm program is when they are sitting down with their bankers to get their credit while planning for next year – they don’t know what they are going to be dealing with.”
The Food Stamp program will also remain unaffected by the expiration.
Congress is now in recess until November 13th.
