Bipartisan Unity and Promises of Relief Highlight 107th American Farm Bureau Convention

ANAHEIM, CA — The 107th Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention, held January 10-12, 2025, featured a historic display of bipartisanship and a firm commitment to agricultural relief. Highlighting the event were two major sessions: a first-of-its-kind congressional roundtable and a closing address from the nation’s top agricultural official.

During the Mid General Session, history was made when the Republican Chairs and Democratic Ranking Members of both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees shared the stage. Sitting side-by-side for a roundtable discussion moderated by American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, the leaders addressed the $50 billion revenue loss currently hitting the farm economy.

The panel included Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA), and Representative Angie Craig (D-MN).

Following the session, Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member Craig both emphasized that the USDA's current assistance programs are only a starting point. Thompson noted that the $1 billion currently set aside for specialty crops—which include Louisiana sugarcane and Minnesota sugar beets—is insufficient.

"I think it's absolutely critical that we include sugar beets at a substantial level for what they've suffered this harvest season," said Rep. Craig, noting that while farmers have lost billions, the current administration has only offered $12 billion in relief.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins took the stage during the Closing General Session to deliver a 29-minute speech focused on trade equity. Her "America First" message was a welcome signal to Louisiana producers struggling with unfair competition.

Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot, who attended the session, noted that the administration has been receptive to concerns regarding the dumping of foreign seafood and rice into U.S. markets. "It's really refreshing to hear her articulate that message back to us," Fontenot said. "That means they heard us, and they're going to do things to make a difference."

In a press conference following her address, Secretary Rollins reaffirmed this commitment: "For our friends in the shrimping, oyster, crawfish, and rice business, we hear you... we have a lot more coming that I think is going to be extremely beneficial."

The convention concluded with a sense of urgency regarding federal legislation. Senator John Boozman expressed a desire to move past political gridlock to pass a new Farm Bill. "We've got to lay those [differences] to the side and get these things that the farmers desperately need," Boozman stated, signaling his intent to bring the bill to a vote to force a clear declaration of support for American producers.