Farm Bill and Tax Reform: Crucial Issues for American Agriculture in 2025

In his testimony before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall highlighted the pressing concerns faced by farmers and ranchers in 2025. With the agricultural economy still reeling from recent challenges, Duvall emphasized the need for Congress to pass a modernized, five-year farm bill and critical tax reform legislation to support the sector.

Farm Bill: A Top Priority for Farmers and Ranchers

Duvall stressed the importance of increasing baseline funding commitments to farm programs, maintaining a unified farm bill that includes nutrition programs and farm programs together, and prioritizing funding for risk management tools. He noted that farmers and ranchers have faced unprecedented volatility in recent years, from pandemic lockdowns and supply chain disruptions to record-high input costs. With USDA's most recent Farm Sector Income Forecast showing a $41-billion decrease in net farm income, down nearly 25% from 2022, Duvall called on Congress to pass a modernized five-year farm bill early on in this Congress.



Tax Reform: Averting the Largest Tax Increase in U.S. History

Duvall warned that failing to extend the expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would take billions of dollars out of farmers' pockets when they have no dollars to spare. He urged Congress to make permanent the expiring TCJA provisions and ensure America's farms and ranches can continue to provide the food, renewable fuel, and fiber this country needs.

AG Workforce: The Greatest Domestic Policy Threat to American Agriculture

Duvall emphasized the urgent need to address the persistent inaction on finding a solution to the workforce needs of the agricultural sector. He noted that the costs are too high, the domestic willingness to work is too low, and family farms are closing down, with direct and tangible impacts on rural communities. Duvall implored the members of the committee to meet with Farm Bureau to find a solution to this pressing issue.

Crop Protection Products: Ensuring Access and Affordability

Duvall expressed concerns about the costs and access of crop protection tools, including fertilizers, fuel, and pesticides. He emphasized the need for sound, risk-based science to guide the approach to crop protection and urged regulators to perform their roles appropriately and efficiently in accordance with those principles.

Free and Fair Trade: Expanding Market Access for U.S. Agricultural Products

Duvall highlighted the importance of maintaining and completing trade agreements that expand market access for U.S. agricultural products. He noted that the 2024 marketing year showed a food and agriculture trade deficit of $32 billion, a stark contrast to the United States' historical trade surplus in agricultural exports. Duvall called on Congress to protect American agriculture and modern production practices from undue burden and respect farmers' and ranchers' ability to innovate and solve problems.



In conclusion, Duvall's testimony underscores the critical need for Congress to address the pressing concerns of American farmers and ranchers in 2025. By passing a modernized, five-year farm bill, enacting critical tax reform legislation, addressing the workforce needs of the agricultural sector, ensuring access and affordability of crop protection products, and expanding market access for U.S. agricultural products, Congress can help farmers and ranchers overcome the challenges they face and continue to provide the food, renewable fuel, and fiber this country needs.