Welch’s amendments would support farmers and rural communities, reform farm subsidy programs, and improve access to nutrition programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, the Senate Agriculture Committee plans to consider Senate Republicans’ partisan Farm Bill which, as written, will not adequately support Vermont farmers and families and rural communities. U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, filed 42 amendments to Senate Republicans Farm Bill. Senator Welch’s proposed changes to the Farm Bill include measures to better support small and family farms, strengthen rural communities, reform farm subsidy programs, and improve access to nutrition.  

“Farms and rural communities across the country are in crisis—we need a bipartisan Farm Bill that meets the moment, but this bill isn’t it. I’ve introduced 42 amendments to Senate Republicans’ partisan Farm Bill—many of which are policies that have historically enjoyed strong bipartisan support,” said Senator Welch. “I hope my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee will work together to improve this Farm Bill and help Vermont farmers, families, and communities.”  

Senator Welch’s proposed amendments and changes to Senate Republicans’ Farm Bill include measures to: 

Better Support Vermont Farmers: 

• Halt the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) reorganization plan  
• Cut red tape for small-scale meat producers in rural communities 
• Improve access to farm loans and credit 
• Provide free access to the Dairy Margin Coverage Program (DMC) for eligible producers 
• Improve data collection for organic dairy farmers 
• Expand eligibility and access to conservation programs 
• Help eliminate barriers for farmers entering the organics market  

Strengthen Rural Communities: 

• Improve rural broadband buildout and speed standards  
• Lower energy costs for rural communities  
• Combat the threat of invasive species  
• Establish national and regional agroforestry centers 
• Provide multi-year flexible grants to rural communities 
• Strike the Farm Bill’s E15 language, which is bad for dairy and specialty crop farmers,  bad for the environment, and could raise food costs for families. 

Reform Farm Subsidy and Crop Insurance Programs: 

• Ensure taxpayer-provided aid makes it into the hands of actual farmers 
• Improve record-keeping requirements for farm subsidies  
• Develop a crop insurance product for specialty crop and diversified farms facing extreme weather events  

Improve Access to Nutrition: 

• Increase funding for the Farm to School nutrition program and support initiatives that deliver fresh, local foods to schools nationwide 
• Cut red tape for SNAP applicants  
• Improve USDA’s Food for Peace program   

View all of Senator Welch’s amendments to the Farm Bill. 

Senator Welch is the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit. Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media.  

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