From the Desk of American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall

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The farm bill recently took an important step forward with the Senate Agriculture Committee voting to advance the legislation to the full Senate.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us farmers need lawmakers to get the legislation across the finish line.

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Farmers applaud members of the Senate Agriculture Committee who recognize the critical support the farm bill provides for America’s farmers and ranchers.

Advancing the farm bill to the full Senate is an important step toward providing certainty to rural America.

While some farm programs were updated last summer, it’s been almost a decade since Congress last passed a full farm bill.

Farmers can’t afford any more delays.

In the past 10 years, more than 200,000 farms have gone out of business.

They faced a pandemic, global unrest, rising expenses and falling prices paid for the food they grow.

A new, modernized farm bill will help farmers survive continued and unforeseen challenges and ensure an abundant and safe food supply.

I’m Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

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The amount of productive farmland in America is declining.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall explains why development should not come at the cost of American agriculture.

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America’s farmland supports farm families, rural communities, and national food security.

Competition for that land is growing as housing, solar projects, and data centers expand.

Since 1982, America’s cropland has declined more than 55 million acres.

Development can bring jobs and investment, but we must consider the long-term impact .

Once farmland is covered by roads, buildings, or infrastructure, it is unlikely to return to agriculture.

The best way to preserve farmland is to make sure farmers and ranchers can afford to keep farming it.

With record-high costs and tight margins, farm families face difficult choices when an offer is made on their property.

We can support growth while protecting private property rights and giving rural communities a voice.

I’m Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

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The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers recently announced a new Waters of the U.S. Rule.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says the new rule protects water and provides the clarity farmers have asked for.

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Farmers are pleased the EPA and Army Corps put forward a new Waters of the U.S. rule.

It respects farmers’ ability to responsibly use their land while ensuring regulations align with the framework established by the Supreme Court’s Sackett ruling.

The proposed WOTUS rule provides a clear understanding of federal jurisdiction, which is critical for farmers who may face severe penalties or even jail time for unknowingly violating the law.

We’re hopeful that the new WOTUS will prove durable and bring an end to the regulatory back and forth farmers have endured during the past decade.

America’s families deserve clean water and clear rules, as do the farmers who grow the food those families rely on.

I’m Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

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The EPA released its decisions on small refinery exemptions, determining which refineries will be exempt from renewable fuel blending obligations.

In this week’s commentary, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tells us biofuels are critical to helping both drivers and farmers.

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29 small refineries will not be required to blend renewable fuels under the EPA’s latest list of exemptions.

While we have concerns about granting any small refinery exemptions, we’re pleased to see EPA’s commitment to reallocate 100-percent of exempted volumes before the end of October.

Reallocation is necessary to maintain robust demand for American grown crops.

We’ve called on the president to carefully consider the impact of changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard, and we’re pleased that our concerns were heard.

Renewable fuels have been a tremendous success story for the country and the rural economy.

They reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil, lower prices at the pump, support farm income, and provide good-paying jobs.

I’m Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.