The following statement may be attributed to Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening following today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture of the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) to provide relief for farmers who suffered economic losses in the 2024 crop year.
Net farm income has declined nearly 25% over the past two years. Farmers are entering their third year of losses on every acre they plant with an outdated farm safety net.
“Texas farmers have suffered unprecedented losses over the past three years due to a grim economic environment beyond their control. Input prices and inflation have been at an all-time high, while commodity prices have plummeted, making it extremely difficult to continue operating. This is on top of extreme weather conditions and lack of a new farm bill that includes a safety net to meet current needs as producers continue doing what they do best – feeding and clothing the world. These challenges have also made it difficult for lending institutions to provide farmers financing to continue operating. Thankfully, many Congressional leaders acted swiftly to secure $10 billion in critically needed economic assistance in the 2024 end-of-year Continuing Resolution to provide some assurance for farmers into 2025. We thank the Congressional leaders who stood up for our nation's farmers and provided this assistance. Today, we thank U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for prioritizing the delivery of this assistance.
“While this economic support is severely needed, it is only a short-term solution for a much bigger problem in farm country. Texas farmers and ranchers deserve long-term certainty with a new farm bill that includes a stronger safety net. A delay of over two years on enactment of this critical legislation is a slap in the face for families who work hard daily to feed and clothe the nation. Texas Farm Bureau calls on Congress to act now. If a new farm bill is not passed within the next couple of months, more economic assistance will be necessary. Texas Farm Bureau looks forward to continuing our work with Congress and this Administration to deliver the long-term solutions American farmers, ranchers and consumers deserve.”