Farm Bill
Ag retailers and distributors are vital to the nation's food security success. With the Farm Bill up for reauthorization this year, ARA is advocating for several measures to be included to benefit ag retail.
Current State
- These businesses must get the right crop inputs to their farmer customers at the right time, which is difficult in the short timeframe farmers have to plant.
- Retailers provide farmer customers with crop consulting services as well as custom pesticide and fertilizer application services
ARA's Position
- Preserve the crop insurance program, and similar important safety nets.
- Work with USDA-Risk Management Agency (RMA) to modify prevented planting dates to lessen potential impacts on the ag retail sector.
- Support codifying oversight of pesticide registrations and regulations at the EPA and state agencies.
- Maintain current acreage dedicated to Conservation Programs (CRP/CSP) and the protection of working lands.
- Support the statistical survey work carried out by the National Agricultural Statistical Service in support of the Conservation Effects Assessment Project administered by the USDA-NRCS.
Each year, ARA membership decides a new set of policy issues the association will focus on with elected officials and key regulatory agencies in Washington, D.C. The established set of policy issues typically drive discussions during the annual ARA Legislative Fly-In. View the list of main policy priorities.
DC Help Desk
ARA's DC Help Desk member service is a direct line to ag public policy experts. Send regulatory and legislative questions to the DC Help Desk for support. ARA members may also use this service to request help when scheduling a facility tour with their elected official in Congress.