U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is discussing what he thinks a new five-year farm bill should include. A segment on USDA Radio Newsline features the head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture discussing the importance of including a strong safety net built on a strong and viable crop insurance program.
“A safety net that is defensible and understandable and one that provides the help and assistance not just to crop producers but also livestock and dairy producers,” Vilsack said.
He said the new farm bill should also provide credit, particularly to beginning farmers and ranchers.
In addition, Vilsack says he feels as though the farm bill should include strong, but streamlined conservation programs, should continue a commitment to change, allocate money for research, should continue to support specialty crop producers and the potential of the bio-based economy, and reflect the proper context for nutrition assistance programs.