National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, calling for the passage of a fully funded 2025 Farm Bill to support family farmers and ranchers. He emphasized the need for a stronger farm safety net, increased conservation investments, fair agricultural markets, and clear trade policies to address ongoing economic challenges in the farming sector.
Larew highlighted the decline in family farms, noting that 140,000 farms were lost in the last five years, while the average farmer is now nearly 60 years old. Farmers currently receive only 15 cents of every food dollar, even as consumers face rising grocery prices. He stressed that tight profit margins, limited market options, and financial pressures make it increasingly difficult for farmers to sustain their operations.
Calling for swift passage of the farm bill, Larew warned that another extension of the 2018 Farm Bill would not be enough to address the challenges farmers face. He urged Congress to strengthen risk management tools, support voluntary conservation programs, and implement policies that encourage the next generation of farmers. He also emphasized the need for fairer agricultural markets, stating that monopolies limit farmers' choices and drive up costs. He pointed to the importance of protecting the Packers and Stockyards Act, supporting mandatory country-of-origin labeling such as the American Beef Labeling Act, and ensuring farmers have the ability to repair their own equipment without restrictions from manufacturers.
Larew also addressed trade policies, warning that poorly managed trade disputes can have devastating effects on farm income. He urged Congress to focus on expanding domestic and global markets, holding trade partners accountable, and ensuring that trade policies protect rather than harm American farmers.
Concerns over federal funding freezes were another key issue in Larew's testimony. He criticized recent executive actions that froze federal spending, creating further uncertainty for farmers. He called on the Senate to seek clarity on funding availability and to ensure that key agricultural programs are properly staffed and resourced to support farmers and rural communities.
In his closing remarks, Larew stressed that while the challenges facing family farmers and ranchers are serious, they are not insurmountable. He reaffirmed NFU's commitment to working with Congress to pass a strong farm bill and to implement fair agricultural policies that secure the future of American farming.
For more information:
NFU
Tel: +1 202 554 1600
Email: press@nfudc.org
www.nfu.org