Farm Bill: Why It's Important

As a pet owner, I appreciate knowing that when I go to the store or shop online, I can be assured that I will find quality cat and dog food to feed my pets. Every day, Pet Food Institute members work hard to produce complete and balanced nutrition for America’s beloved four-legged friends. In fact, pet food makers use approximately 8,000,000 tons of plant- and animal-based ingredients each year, putting $6.9 billion into the agricultural supply chain and supporting rural communities.??

?Pet food makers need access to quality and consistent supply of ingredients. That is where the farm bill comes in. The purpose of the farm bill is to set agricultural and food policy every five years or so, which provides a safety net for U.S. farmers and an opportunity for them to incorporate new technologies on their farms.??

?This legislation ensures that our nation’s food supply remains secure while providing a safety net to agricultural producers, through crop insurance, in the event of a natural disaster or other issues that result in a poor crop. The current farm bill, called the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, will expire September 30. Since Congress will miss that deadline, they must temporarily extend the Act until a new farm bill can be passed.?

?America needs our farmers, and our farmers need the farm bill to feed the people and pets of our nation. Therefore, it is critical that Congress work together - across the aisle - to pass a new farm bill before the end of the year. Our nation’s farmers are counting on us.??