America’s Sheep Producers Support Farm Bill
December 11, 2018 – On Monday night, the House and Senate Agriculture Committee released the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report. American Sheep Industry Association President Mike Corn said the bipartisan and bicameral report contains a number of priorities for America’s sheep producers.
“U.S. sheep producers strongly support the farm bill conference report. This bill reauthorizes the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant and the wool fabric provision to address industry infrastructure and international trade inequities. The most prominent feature for sheep producers is the new provision to permanently fund pharmaceutical development minor use species, which has the potential to impact every sheep operation in America with new sheep health products. ASI is very appreciative as well that the Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine bank was included with funding authorized. The Wool Marketing Assistance Loan and Loan Deficiency Payment program were also reauthorized, providing a risk management tool for producers.
“Timing is critical to finish the Farm Bill this month in order to provide certainty for sheep producers, and we applaud the House and Senate Agriculture Committee leadership for producing a conference report this week.”
ASI urges swift approval by the United States House of Representatives and Senate.
ASI is an equal opportunity employer. It is the national trade organization supported by 45 state sheep associations, benefiting the interests of more than 88,000 sheep producers. For more information about the organization visit http://www.sheepusa.org