Washington, D.C. — Just in time for Christmas, President Trump signed the 2018 farm bill after the bill passed through the House and Senate with bipartisan support.

“The farm bill ensures a safety net for farm families, maintains and expands environmental stewardship programs and provides needed resources to disadvantaged families,” said Don Shawcroft, president of the Colorado Farm Bureau. “It also removes future uncertainty for an industry struggling amongst low commodity prices.”

A unified farm bill that provides certainty, consistency and clarity is vital for continuing important programs like federal crop insurance, foreign market exploration, commodity programs and conservation programs. This is especially important during a time when farmers and ranchers are struggling. Commodity prices are the worst they have been since the 1980’s and are continuing a downward trend. Programs within the farm bill will help food producers stay afloat during these difficult times.

“Colorado farmers and ranchers would like to express their most sincere gratitude to President Trump for signing this legislation quickly, delivering some welcome good news to Colorado farmers and ranchers this Christmas season,” says Shawcroft.

The Colorado Farm Bureau would also like to thank the members of the Colorado delegation that voted YES on the bill:

Senator Michael Bennett
Senator Cory Gardner
Congressman Scott Tipton
Congresswoman Diana DeGette
Congressman Ed Perlmutter

The farm bill is a vital piece of legislation for agriculture across the country. It provides an important programs that make up a safety net for farmers and ranchers as well as important nutrition assistance programs for Americans. Passage of the legislation now, means lawmakers won’t have to start from scratch on a new bill when the 116th Congress convenes in 2019.

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