River Region Times

Rep. Barry Moore applauded the House Agriculture Committee's passage of the 2024 Farm Bill this week. The legislation incorporates several of Rep. Moore's priorities aimed at supporting Alabama producers.

The bill includes the establishment of a Commission on National Agricultural Statistics Service Modernization, as detailed in H.R. 6351, to enhance the efficiency and quality of NASS data collection and reporting. It also seeks to modernize and standardize Forest Inventory Analysis data collection, accessibility, and transparency through H.R. 3990.

Additionally, the bill extends the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program under H.R. 3984, which has been effective in reducing damage caused by feral swine. An amendment was also offered to include tree nuts in the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), which passed en bloc.

The Alabama Pecan Growers commented positively on the SFMNP amendment: "Making tree nuts, including pecans, eligible for participation in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program will be very positive for the pecan industry. Every week, I have to turn away seniors at the farmers market that want to purchase pecans with their program benefits. There is high demand within this program for pecans, which are a healthy product containing good monounsaturated fats, protein, fiber, and other essential minerals. The Alabama Pecan Growers Association appreciates Congressman Moore for fighting for pecan growers in Alabama and across the United States by introducing and passing this amendment to the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024."

During Agriculture Committee markup discussions, Rep. Moore stated: "I am pleased to see the fruition of the 2024 Farm Bill and especially pleased to see support for vital farm programs and safety net programs that are vital to Alabama agriculture. With that, I'd like to highlight the inclusion of the continuation of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program; the establishment of a commission to improve NASS data collection efficiency; and modernization of inventory analysis data for our foresters."

He added: "Since the last Farm Bill we passed, farmers, foresters, ranchers, and producers have fought tooth and nail to stay afloat during this administration who is consistently standing against them. This legislation puts 'farm' back in 'Farm Bill.'"

Rep. Moore's full remarks can be accessed on his official website.