(WNY News Now) -WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) achieved a significant legislative victory as the House Committee on Agriculture voted to pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, commonly known as the Farm Bill. The bill, including six pieces of legislation sponsored by Langworthy, received bipartisan support and now moves to the House floor.
The final committee markup allowed members to introduce amendments, including Langworthy’s GRAPE Act, which provides comprehensive crop insurance for grape growers affected by freeze events. This amendment passed unanimously, underscoring the broad support for measures protecting agricultural interests.
“The House Agriculture Committee developed a strong 2024 Farm Bill, and I’m proud to have fought for Western New York and the Southern Tier to have a seat at the table,” said Langworthy. He emphasized the bill’s tailored provisions for his district’s dairy farmers, grape growers, and maple syrup producers, as well as its broader impacts on workforce development and rural healthcare.
The 2024 Farm Bill, a crucial piece of legislation renewed every five years, sets national policies for agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry. It includes essential supports for farmers, promotes food security, and aims to foster sustainable agricultural practices.
Key Provisions Sponsored by Congressman Langworthy:
- H.R. 1756 – Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act: Enhances transparency in dairy pricing by mandating the reporting of cost and yield information from dairy processors, helping stabilize income for dairy farmers.
- H.R. 7015 – CAREERS Act: Allocates funds for career pathway programs in rural areas, addressing workforce shortages in key sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing.
- H.R. 7667 – MAPLE Act: Adds maple syrup to the list of eligible products under the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, expanding markets for producers and providing nutritious options for seniors.
- H.R. 5308 – Rural Telehealth and Education Enhancement Act: Reauthorizes grants for rural telehealth and education programs, supporting technological advancements and training to improve healthcare and education in rural areas.
- H.R. 3512 – SAP Act: Requires the USDA to consult with maple syrup producers on research and education priorities, supporting the growth and sustainability of the maple syrup industry.
- H.R. 8359 – GRAPE Act: Provides comprehensive crop insurance for grape growers impacted by freeze events, mitigating financial losses and enhancing agricultural resilience.
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