Released: March 8, 2024
Washington, D.C. – Representatives from the U.S. Peanut Federation (USPF) traveled to Washington, D.C. this week for their annual Spring Fly-In. During the trip, USPF representatives met with key members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, as well as senior agricultural staff to discuss issues facing the peanut industry today. The USPF Fly-In is essential to connect with Congress about peanut industry priorities, especially since Farm Bill programs are up for reauthorization in 2024.
During their meetings, representatives of the U.S. Peanut Federation discussed the rising costs of production for peanuts, the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program, and peanut priorities for the Farm Bill.
Rising input costs, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and low prices have all contributed to the difficult conditions peanut farmers are facing today. Without an effective safety net, peanut growers will continue to struggle, and that is the message that USPF representatives voiced on Capitol Hill.
While USPF representatives were in D.C., the U.S. House of Representatives approved a six-bill government funding package ahead of the March 8 deadline. This package includes the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations legislation, which funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Fiscal Year 2024. The second set of appropriations bills are under consideration and expire March 22.
In late 2023, the U.S. Congress passed a 1-year extension of Farm Bill programs at the same levels authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. USPF representatives heard from Members of Congress and staff this week that while the Farm Bill has been extended, the work is ongoing. However, there is uncertainty to whether or not a Farm Bill is considered this year.
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The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy.
