NCC Statement on House Farm Bill Package

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -  The National Cotton Council applauds the bill set for markup by the House Agriculture Committee later today, which contains critical farm safety net improvements. “I commend Chairman Thompson and the other members of the committee for extending a lifeline to our cotton farmers, who have been grappling with soaring production costs and depressed market prices,” said NCC Chairman Patrick Johnson, a producer from Tunica, MS. “The bill significantly boosts the reference price, enhances crop insurance, makes vital improvements to the marketing loan program, and reinstates crucial support for our domestic textile manufacturers. While we would have preferred a different process, the reality is that our industry is hurting, and this legislation will help us hold on.” 

The NCC strongly urges the committee to advance the bill. “Going forward, our industry is dedicated to collaborating with leadership of the House and Senate to ensure its final passage. For our producers, it’s not about losing money this year, it’s about losing the farm,” said Johnson.