Farm Bureau Applauds President’s Call for Farmer Aid and Year-Round E15, Urges Bipartisan Action

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today applauded the White House request to Congress for more than $11 billion in additional assistance for America's farmers and ranchers, as well as the administration's call for year-round access to E15 fuel.

“Farmers are grateful to have the president’s backing at such a critical time after enduring years of economic losses due to inflation and depressed markets. Additional aid will give farmers optimism headed into harvest later this year as they await the benefits of enhanced farm bill programs, better market access overseas and stronger domestic demand.

“Not only do we urge Congress to heed the White House call to deliver economic aid, but we also know both sides of the aisle in Congress recognize more is needed as farmers’ losses nationwide far exceed $11 billion. Over the last decade we have lost nearly 200,000 farms, so we need to stabilize the farm economy and reverse that trend. Additional aid will certainly help.

“The White House also urged Congress to authorize year-round sales of E15 fuel nationwide, which we’ve long called for. Expanding access to E15 would strengthen domestic energy production, increase demand for American-grown crops and save consumers at the gas pump. That’s a win all the way around.

“We look forward to working with Congress and the administration to quickly deliver supplemental aid and year-round E15, in addition to addressing other urgent priorities Farm Bureau has identified, from the farm bill to labor reform and protecting interstate commerce. We’re grateful for the broad recognition among elected leaders of the important role farmers play in our nation's economy, energy security and food security. Ensuring the long-term strength of American agriculture is a goal we can all rally behind.”