River Region Times

Washington, D.C. - This week, Rep. Barry Moore (AL-02) drew attention to the economic challenges faced by agricultural producers under the current presidential administration, stressing the importance of addressing reference prices in the current Farm Bill cycle. Moore highlighted the crucial role of reference prices in providing a safety net for agricultural producers to navigate the risks stemming from increasing input prices and decreasing commodity prices.

During his remarks on the House floor, Moore expressed concern over the impact of rising consumer prices and inflation, stating, "Consumer prices are up 19.4 percent since Biden took office and inflation is up 3.5 percent in the last year." He reiterated his commitment to addressing reference prices, emphasizing their significance in supporting producers amidst challenging market conditions.

Referring to safety net programs as essential for risk management, Moore pointed out that current reference prices are inadequate to assist producers in coping with narrow profit margins. He highlighted the reliance of producers on reference prices and the farm safety net to sustain their businesses amid fluctuating market dynamics.

Moore shared personal anecdotes, stating, "I have seen this in my own family, hearing about the challenges my cousin, who is a young farmer, has had just getting started." He underscored the necessity of incorporating provisions in the Farm Bill to benefit producers nationwide, including those in Alabama, by ensuring adequate funding for the farm safety net, promoting market development, enhancing feral swine control efforts, modernizing data collection for foresters, safeguarding crop insurance, and expanding rural broadband deployment.

The congressman's comprehensive remarks on the importance of addressing reference prices to support agricultural producers can be viewed in full on the official platform.

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