Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville has expressed concerns about the deteriorating state of the American agricultural economy in an op-ed published by Agri-Pulse. Tuberville attributes this decline to policies implemented by the Biden-Harris administration and urges immediate action from Congress.

In his piece, Tuberville emphasizes the need for a new Farm Bill to provide necessary support to farmers. He highlights that inflation and other economic pressures are severely impacting farmers' ability to sustain their operations.

“Senate Democrats and the Biden-Harris administration refuse to come to the table to find practical, bipartisan solutions to the many problems our farmers are facing,” Tuberville wrote.

Tuberville also spoke on the Senate floor earlier this week, calling for supplemental appropriations for the agricultural sector. He pointed out that additional funds would not directly benefit producers but would help stabilize their cash flows, enabling them to secure farm loans and prepare for future planting seasons.

According to data cited by Tuberville, net farm income is projected to decline by 4.4% in 2024 compared to 2023. This follows a significant 19.5% drop from 2022, amounting to a total decline of 23% over two years—translating into over $40 billion in lost revenue for American farmers.

“America’s farmers and producers are the backbone of our nation’s agricultural economy and food security," Tuberville stated. "Despite their critical role in our lives – to feed, clothe, and fuel not only the United States but the entire world – our farmers are struggling to survive.”

He further highlighted that row croppers have experienced a $27.7 billion decrease in cash receipts since last year, as reported by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Tuberville noted that even though Alabama's producers are harvesting bumper crops of cotton, peanuts, corn, and soybeans, they still struggle with profitability due to rising production costs.

“A multitude of factors over which producers have no control are impacting their bottom lines,” he explained. These include issues such as lack of domestic energy production, high inflation rates, increasing labor costs including those associated with H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), as well as elevated prices for feed, fertilizer, and pesticides.

The senator concluded by warning about potential future challenges: “America’s agricultural producers are facing a tough road ahead. Many fear that their farm loans may not be renewed; cash flows will dry up; and interest rates on borrowed money will continue to rise.”

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and serves on several committees including Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.

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