Obama praises Farm Bill in USDA weekly video

Each week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture produces a short video highlighting topics affecting the nations growers.

This week, the video features the federal Farm Bill, which was signed into law by the President Barack Obama — who hailed the bill last Friday.

On the local level, farmers reported that the bill — re-negotiated this year — will benefit them much as it has in the same in the past, also allowing them to take advantage of new initiatives aimed at expanding crop insurance and farm-to-consumer marketing.

The Farm Bill, however, also funds the government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (better known as food stamps) — as a matter of fact, 80 percent of the Farm Bill goes to it. The bill cut funding for the program by $8.5 billion over the next decade.

The video also discusses new long-term farm income projections, and drought affecting western farmers.

It’s an easy way to stay on top of issues affecting area growers and beyond. This and other informational videos are available on the USDA website.