House/Senate Conference Committee Begins Work on Farm Bill

By Don Molino, The Voice of Louisiana Agriculture Radio Network

According to Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham, a member of the joint committee, the new farm bill will continue allowing for crop insurance as have previous farm bills.

"But on the tariff issues, the Secretary of Agriculture has the discretion, and is in the process of, compensating farmers with some direct payments until we see how the tariffs are actually going to impact the farmer," said Abraham.

"We don't know yet because a lot of the crops are being harvested as we speak. And we don't know what the future of the commodity prices are but hopefully, they will go up dramatically." Abraham continued.

The 5th district representative also believes President Trump is making what he considers very good gains with the new NAFTA agreement with Mexico and talking to the European Union which will now start purchasing more US soybeans.

"Canada wants to come on board and China is becoming friendlier. So I think we're in a good spot.  I want to see the president move forward and get these tariffs re-worked in our favor," siad Abraham.