Rep. Cartwright seeks public input on federal 2023 Farm Bill

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-08) is asking for public input from regional farmers, consumers and all those involved in the agriculture industry as Congress once again prepares a new Farm Bill.

Every five years, Congress crafts farm bill legislation to address the country’s agricultural and food policy needs. The last farm bill was passed in 2018 and Congress is currently preparing to consider the next legislation in 2023. The bill covers a variety of issues facing rural and agricultural communities including commodities, conservation, trade, nutrition, credit, rural development, forestry, energy, horticulture and crop insurance, among others, with key programs of the bill implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

It also authorizes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the country’s largest food safety net program for families with low incomes.

“As we begin to work on this year’s Farm Bill in Congress, I’m asking farmers and agriculture workers across Northeast Pennsylvania to share their priorities,” Rep. Cartwright said. “We only write a farm bill every five years so it’s important we get it right. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m committed to working hard for our local farmers and delivering the results they need.”

Pennsylvania has one of the largest rural populations in the country, with nearly one-third of the state under cultivation. The commonwealth is a major producer of milk, eggs and poultry; fruits, including peaches, grapes, cherries, and apples; hay, corn and Christmas trees.

Livestock — including dairy and beef cattle, hogs, and sheep — and livestock products are also major components of Pennsylvania farm income.

An online survey portal can be found at https://democrats-agriculture.house.gov/forms/form/?ID=9. The deadline to fill out the 2023 Farm Bill survey is June 9, 2023.