March 30, 2023

 

AFBF: Survey shows strong public support for US farm bill passage

 

Almost three-quarters of US citizens said that not reauthorising the United States' farm bill in 2023 would have a significant impact on the country, according to a new poll from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

 

The survey explored the public's awareness of the farm bill, its impact and priorities for funding in the legislation. The poll, conducted by Morning Consult, showed more than half of respondents said they would be more likely to support their member of the US Congress if they voted to reauthorise the farm bill.

 

Nearly 70% of respondents also identified two areas of the farm bill as top priorities for government funding: risk management programmes that serve as a safety net for farmers and nutrition programmes that serve as a safety net for families facing hunger.

 

"Thanks to the farm bill, farmers and ranchers can hold on through the tough times to keep the nation's food supply secure," said AFBF president Zippy Duvall. "Farmers and ranchers must take the lead to share with our neighbors and lawmakers about the impact the farm bill has on every family in America. Almost nine in ten adults trust farmers, which will be important as we work to inform the 260 lawmakers who weren't in Congress when the last farm bill was written."

 

After witnessing the impacts of the war in Ukraine on food systems, an overwhelming majority of US citizens also believe the US should consider a safe and abundant food supply a matter of national security. This suggests the farm bill should be considered a part of the country's national security strategy.

 

Key findings of the survey include:

 

    - 73% of adults said not passing a farm bill would have a significant impact on the US;

 

    - A majority of adults agreed that nutrition programmes (68%) and risk management (67%) should be top priorities for government funding in the farm bill;

 

    - 86% of adults said they are concerned about food inflation;

 

    - 84% of adults said the US should consider a safe and abundant food supply a matter of national security;

 

    - 89% of adults trust farmers.

- AFBF