On Wednesday, November 15th, President Biden signed into law an emergency funding bill passed by Congress to avoid a government shutdown, which included a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.
The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, was originally set to expire on September 30, 2023, but is now extended until September 30, 2024, providing a continuation of funding for the Farm Bill's "farm programs and food assistance." The extension continues the 2018 Farm Bill language developing the USDA's hemp production program, which does not have a sunset date. Overall, the extension gives Congress, stakeholders, and lobbyists additional time to advocate for updated federal hemp policy.
The Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 contains the following language extending the provisions in and funding for the Farm Bill's programs until September 30, 2024:
SEC. 102. EXTENSION OF AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS.
(a) Extension.—Except as otherwise provided in this section and the amendments made by this section, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the authorities (including any limitations on the authorities) provided by each provision of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–334; 132 Stat. 4490) and each provision of law amended by that Act (and for mandatory programs at such funding levels), as in effect on September 30, 2023, shall continue, and the authorities shall be carried out, until the later of—
(1) September 30, 2024; or
(2) the date specified in the provision of that Act or the provision of law amended by that Act.
Leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees released the following statement:
“As negotiations on funding the government progress, we were able to come together to avoid a lapse in funding for critical agricultural programs and provide certainty to producers. This extension is in no way a substitute for passing a 5-year Farm Bill and we remain committed to working together to get it done next year.”
AgHS is here to help bring your voice to Congress. Contact us to learn more by email at admin@agriculturalhempsolutions.com, or by phone at 202-656-7023.
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