Senate passes 2013 farm bill

The U.S. Senate voted 66-27 yesterday to pass the 2013 farm bill. The Independent Bakers Association (IBA) issued a statement saying that it is disappointed that the Senate version of the bill doesn’t include sugar reform. However, IBA says it is pleased that there was not a reversion to a “command and control approach” to wheat and peanut crops.

According to IBA, Senate Agriculture Committee ranking member Thad Cochran (R-MS) secured additional “yes” votes from Southern senators. Former ranking member Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) voted against the bill in opposition to target priced-based programs in the bill.

House Agriculture Committee chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) did not comment on the vote, but House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) is eager to respond with a House vote on the farm bill later this month.

Items facing the House of Representatives include the dairy program, sugar program and potential cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Source: Independent Bakers Association

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