Farm Bill Being Finalized

Time to contact your Congressmen

A Conference Committee will soon begin to reconcile the House version of the Farm Bill with the Senate version of the Farm Bill.

There are several provisions in the two bills affecting beekeepers. ABF Vice President David Mendes encourages all beekeepers to contact their Congressmen and tell them how important these provisions are:

Expanded Beekeeping Research. We need answers to CCD and the other problems we are facing. Of the two bills, the House bill is more favorable to beekeepers.

Disaster Relief.Section 12102 of the Senate bill would provide for supplemental agricultural disaster assistance to honey producers and others.

Conservation Programs.There are multiple provisions in the House bill and the Senate bill that would recognize the importance of wild and managed pollinators and pollinator habitat in USDA conservation programs. There is also a need for clarification that honey bee colonies may be located on CRP acreage.

To contact any Congressman's office via phone, call the Capitol Switchboard, 202-224-3121, as for the Senator's or Representative's office. When connected ask for the Agricultural Aide.

You can contact Congressmen via their websites at www.Senate.gov and www.House.gov.