March 8, 2024, WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives from the U.S. Peanut Federation (USPF) traveled to Washington, D.C. this week for their annual Spring Fly-In. During the trip, USPF representatives met with key members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, as well as senior agricultural staff to discuss issues facing the peanut industry today. The USPF Fly-In is essential to connect with Congress about peanut industry priorities, especially since Farm Bill programs are up for reauthorization in 2024.

During their meetings, representatives of the U.S. Peanut Federation discussed the rising costs of production for peanuts, the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program, and peanut priorities for the Farm Bill.

Rising input costs, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and low prices have all contributed to the difficult conditions peanut farmers are facing today. Without an effective safety net, peanut growers will continue to struggle, and that is the message that USPF representatives voiced on Capitol Hill.

While USPF representatives were in D.C., the U.S. House of Representatives approved a six-bill government funding package ahead of the March 8 deadline. This package includes the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations legislation, which funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Fiscal Year 2024. The second set of appropriations bills are under consideration and expire March 22.

In late 2023, the U.S. Congress passed a 1-year extension of Farm Bill programs at the same levels authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. USPF representatives heard from Members of Congress and staff this week that while the Farm Bill has been extended, the work is ongoing. However, there is uncertainty to whether or not a Farm Bill is considered this year.

Nov. 17, 2023, WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate voted this week to approve a short-term funding bill, avoiding a November 17 government shutdown. The funding legislation, which was proposed by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), funds the government by setting up two deadlines. The first January 19^th deadline covers agencies under four appropriations bills: Agriculture-FDA, Energy and Water, Military Construction-VA, and Transportation-HUD. The other eight appropriations bills are extended to a February 2^nd deadline.

In addition to extending funding and setting up deadlines for appropriations, the legislation includes a 1-year extension of Farm Bill programs at the same levels authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. The legislation also includes funding for a number of “orphan programs” which are small-ticket programs that had expired funding at the end of Fiscal Year 2023.

Although this legislation extends the Farm Bill through September 30, 2024, lawmakers are hopeful that the 2023 Farm Bill will be passed ahead of that deadline. U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement alongside U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-PA) and Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA):

“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.”

The funding bill passed 336-95 in the U.S. House of Representatives and 87-11 in the U.S. Senate. It now goes to President Biden’s desk for signature ahead of the November 17 government shutdown deadline.

###

The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates for strong agricultural policy.

(Oct. 20, 2023 – WASHINGTON, D.C.) United States Peanut Federation (USPF) Chairman Jamie Brown travelled to Washington, D.C. this week to attend meetings and events centered around worldwide hunger and peanut nutrition initiatives. The U.S. Peanut Federation partnered with other global hunger advocacy groups to host a reception for congressional members and staff in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing room on peanuts and the role they play in addressing global hunger. The event was co-sponsored by Golden Peanut.

U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) made remarks at the reception on the United States’ role in international food aid and the importance of peanuts as a key component of Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food. Also in attendance was Mark Moore, Co-Founder and CEO of MANA Nutrition. MANA Nutrition, which operates out of Fitzgerald, GA, manufactures a Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) composed of peanut paste, milk, and a mix of vitamins and minerals that is used to treat children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

In his comments at the reception, USPF Chairman Jamie Brown reaffirmed the peanut industry’s commitment to helping address global hunger. Peanuts are one of the cheapest sources of proteins and are high in fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Peanuts have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, help manage diabetes, and even increase cognitive function.

The U.S. Peanut Federation recently signed a letter with other commodity and nutrition groups advocating for the inclusion of Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) in new international food assistance.

According to the letter, “Nearly 45 million children – those most vulnerable to food insecurity – suffer from acute malnutrition, known as “wasting”. Through Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), over 95% of wasted children can recover, yet only 25% of children have historically had access to treatment. Thanks to leadership from USAID and Congress last year, over $580 million was mobilized to provide a one-time increase to RUTF procurement, which has doubled the number of children being treated. However, without sustained funding, RUTF treatment will return to previous levels of 1 in 4 children receiving the care they need.”

###

The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) is comprised of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the National Peanut Buying Points Association. USPF serves as a unified voice in Washington, D.C. for all sectors of the peanut industry and advocates actively for strong agricultural policy.