By Scout Nelson
On June 11, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry introduced a draft for the 2025 budget. This proposal aims to reduce the federal deficit and support agriculture, conservation, and nutrition efforts.
The committee was required to find $1 billion in savings, but its plan goes further cutting an estimated $144 billion, mostly from nutrition programs. At the same time, it includes nearly $70 billion in agricultural investments, which is $10 billion more than the House version.
One major source of savings comes from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The plan raises work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents from 54 to 64 years old, expands those requirements to parents with children over age 10, and reduces the federal match for SNAP administrative costs. These changes are expected to save $211 billion, which is less than the House's proposed savings.
Key investments in agriculture include increased support for Title I commodities, new base acre opportunities for producers, and higher payment limits. Beginning farmers and ranchers will receive extended insurance benefits for up to 10 years, and poultry producers may benefit from a new insurance pilot program.
Dairy reforms include updates to the Dairy Margin Coverage program and a higher production cap for Tier I coverage. There’s also funding for dairy production research and surveys.
Conservation programs like EQIP, CSP, ACEP, and RCPP will see increased funding. Additionally, $285 million will be directed annually toward growing U.S. agricultural export markets.
The draft legislation will move straight to the Senate Budget Committee after consultations. Lawmakers hope to finalize the bill before the July 4 recess.
Photo Credit: nebraska-farm-bureau
Categories: National