Challenges for Farmers Amid Federal Regulations

U.S. Representative Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) emphasized the difficulties farmers face with current federal regulations.

During a hearing on “past breakthroughs and future innovations in crop production” on Tuesday, Alabama lawmakers from the House Committee on U.S. Agriculture addressed government deficits.

“Government red tape has resulted in 12 years and nearly $300 million spent just to enhance yields and ensure products reach producers who better serve the American people. Instead of having the government weigh them down, farmers seek collaboration with producers,” Moore stated.

Moore also questioned Terry Abbott, Chair of the Producer Council and Agrotechnology (CPDA) distributors, about these challenges.

“Ronald Reagan once said, ‘The government’s idea of the economy is to tax it when it moves, regulate it if it keeps moving, and subsidize it when it fails.’ Abbott pointed out that governmental inefficiencies are evident, with over $5 billion in member products explaining the complex patent tools and products related to both post-patent tools and adjuvants.”

Abbott added, “The existing tools are under significant strain, so accessing them is crucial, especially for rotation purposes and maintaining the necessary adjuvants in tank mixes.”

Moore mentioned how government regulations have worsened throughout the year, reflecting on his own experiences in agriculture.

“The regulatory environment is definitely overwhelming, and I know this from my background growing up on a crop farm. The technology has evolved, but inflation and restrictions are burdensome now, as the government impacts production.”

Lawmakers agreed that it’s time for government oversight to ease for farmers and businesses.

“If the government isn’t a hindrance to us, that’s a positive,” Moore remarked.