Following the passage of President Trump’s significant bill in the U.S. Senate, farmers are now on the brink of record tax cuts and enhanced farm safety measures.

The bill is set to return home after a close 51-50 vote.

Mitt Walker, the Secretary of State for the Alabama Farmers Federation, remarked that the bill represents a crucial financial support mechanism for farmers grappling with one of the worst economic downturns since the 1980s. He noted that extensions to past farm bills and the uncertain future of a new one are especially vital.

“With increases in reference prices, a rise in base acres, and other important provisions, this bill could really benefit farms across Alabama,” Walker stated. “I want to specifically acknowledge the efforts of Alabama Republicans, Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, for their ongoing support of this legislation that benefits farmers and landowners in our state.”

The proposed legislation will boost the Farm Bill’s funding by roughly $66 billion, with $50 billion allocated for price loss compensation for row crops, offset by cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It will also reduce crop insurance premiums and introduce new funding for trade promotion, agricultural research, animal health, and disaster relief.

Key agricultural provisions in the Senate bill include:

• 10-20% increase in reference prices for various products.
• A one-time voluntary allocation of 30 million acres.
• Raising the Title 1 payment limit from $125,000 to $155,000, with annual inflation adjustments.
• Adjustments to the Livestock Compensation Program (LIP) to cover 100% of black vulture predation losses and supplemental payments for fetal livestock losses, with a 75% payment rate for weather-related losses.
• Changes to the Livestock Feed Disaster Program (LFP) to allow payments during severe droughts as indicated by the U.S. drought monitor.
• Expanded eligibility for emergency assistance for livestock, bees, and farm-raised fish (ELAP), including a minimum payment of $600 per acre and for bees if mortality exceeds 15%.
• A pilot program for poultry insurance for contracted poultry producers affected by extreme weather.
• Allocation of $15 million per year for the Wild Pig Eradication and Control Pilot Program from FY25 to FY31.

Senator John Boozman, R-Ark., who chairs the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry committee, expressed his support for the bill’s passage in the Senate.

“The approval of this law is significant in fulfilling President Trump’s commitments to the American people,” he stated. “We aim to implement practical reforms in the SNAP program to ensure it operates effectively, responsibly managing taxpayers’ money while aiding those in genuine need. It’s also a positive development for producers who have faced outdated policies for too long.”

He added, “Investments in agriculture bolster the viability of family farms and the broader American agricultural sector, providing essential tools for risk management and updated safety nets.”