US Senate passes Farm Bill, 66-27

In Washington, the United States Senate passed the Farm Bill, known formally as the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act, by a vote of 66-27. The bill was hailed by its sponsors as a model of bipartisanship and cost-cutting, but maintaining a focus on critical programs for food, nutrition, renewable energy and rural economic development.

The bill includes $1.1 billion for biofuels as well as energy-efficiency programs in rural areas. It also provides development funding to assist the biochemicals and bioplastics industries. However, the House of Representatives drafted its own $940 billion version of the farm bill, and will vote on it next week.

The key to the legislation’s fate will be in the House-Senate conference which negotiates the final package. At stake there will be a number of renewable energy provisions which received strong support in the Senate bill but missed out in the House.

Industry reaction

Jim Greenwood, President and CEO, Biotechnology Industry Organization

“Reauthorizing Farm Bill energy programs and providing robust mandatory funding for the energy title will help U.S. industrial biotech companies innovate and develop new products. Putting homegrown technologies to work will create high-quality rural jobs, spur economic growth, and improve environmental health,” said

“Leveling the playing field for renewable chemical projects is especially important to revive America’s manufacturing sector and improve U.S. economic competitiveness. We thank Senators Stabenow and Cochran for their forward-looking action and will work with them to ensure this important legislation is enacted.”

Michael McAdams, president, Advanced Biofuels Association

“The Senate’s farm bill will help create jobs and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil by encouraging additional production capacity for advanced biofuels. This industry is growing because our member companies are already making significant investments in research and development, pilot and demonstration projects, as well as commercial development of advanced renewable fuels.  The Senate’s decision to maintain mandatory funding for the energy title provisions in the farm bill, such as the Biorefinery Assistance Program and Biomass Crop Assistance Program, is critical to continuing that growth and success.”

Lloyd Ritter, co-director, Agriculture Energy Coalition

“Farm Bill renewable energy and energy efficiency programs have a solid track record in supporting growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and new employment opportunities in rural America. They ensure that critical investments are made in agriculture energy development, which brings energy security and environmental benefits to the entire United States. We urge the House of Representatives to include the same funding of Farm Bill energy programs in its version of the legislation. We look forward to working with Senators Stabenow and Cochran as well as members of the House of Representatives to ensure the continued success of Farm Bill energy programs.”

NCGA President Pam Johnson, president, National Corn Growers Association

“America’s farmers greatly appreciate the leadership and bipartisan efforts by the Senate to complete their work on the farm bill,”  said.  “We also recognize the efforts put forth to address regional concerns to ensure all areas of the country are adequately represented in the final language.”

“This legislation is long overdue and our work is still not done. Our focus now turns to the House of Representatives with hopes that they schedule floor time to consider the legislation as soon as possible. We look forward to continuing to partner with agriculture advocates to pass a new common-sense, reform-minded farm bill.”

Tom Buis, CEO, Growth Energy

“I commend the Senate for approving the 2013 Farm Bill. This legislation contains important provisions that will incentivize the production of renewable fuels to decrease our dependence on foreign oil and create jobs right here at home.

“Specifically, the $900 million in mandatory funding to critical rural energy programs will help provide the certainty investors and businesses need to keep making renewable fuels from diverse feedstocks, from corn stover to woody biomass to municipal solid waste.

“By including programs such as the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), theBiomass Crop Assistance Program, and the Biorefinery Assistance Program, the Senate has reiterated its vote of confidence in our nation’s renewable fuels sector. America’s robust farm communities are the heart of our nation, our economy and our future – I applaud the Senate for recognizing their critical importance.

“There’s still work to be done, however. Now that the Senate has approved their version of the Farm Bill, I urge their colleagues in the House of Representatives to follow suit. America’s farmers and energy producers need a Farm Bill that supports the heart of nation, and encourages innovation and economic growth.”