In This Issue:

• Agriculture Appropriations Bill Gets Another Temporary Extension
• NBGA Joins Ag Groups Opposing Budget Cuts for Crop Insurance
• Over 360 Ag Groups Reiterate Support for Uniform Labeling for Pesticides
• NBGA Board of Directors Meeting in DC

Agriculture Appropriations Bill Gets Another Temporary Extension



Congress again extended the FY2024 Ag Appropriations bill, this time through March 1. The Continuing Resolution (CR), the third one Congress has passed this fiscal year, avoided a government shutdown and gave more time for them to reach agreement and pass a full-year funding deal. House Speaker Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Schumer agreed to a $1.7 trillion topline funding agreement earlier this month, and appropriations leaders are now working on funding levels for each agency.

NBGA Joins Ag Groups Opposing Budget Cuts for Crop Insurance

Agriculture groups have come together again to remind the Administration of the importance of crop insurance and urging against any cuts to the Federal Crop Insurance Program in the President’s FY2025 budget proposal.



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Over 360 Ag Groups Reiterate Support for Uniform Labeling for Pesticides

The Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act (HR 4288), supported by NBGA, reaffirms and clarifies provisions related to pesticide labeling and packaging. The bill is intended to ensure a uniform, consistent federal pesticide label and package to prevent an unworkable patchwork of state labels and disruptions to commerce. The letter supports provisions included in the FY2024 House Interior Appropriations bill that corresponds to H.R. 4288. 



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NBGA Board of Directors Meeting in DC

The NBGA Board of Directors meeting took place in Washington, DC on 1/30-2/1. The group shared crop reports from growers and heard industry and association updates. A panel of House and Senate Ag Committee staff shared updates on Farm Bill progress and answered growers' questions. Lester Jones of the National Beer Wholesalers Association provided an overview of beer and beverage market economic trends. Sadie Marks of the US Grains Council presented updates on the barley RAPP proposal projects. Reece Langley and Matt Schertz provided new information regarding the domestic agricultural tax credit proposal. CropLife America representative Thomas Mills facilitated a discussion of crop protection issues and challenges. Scott Herndon, President of Field to Market, updated the group on new sustainability initiatives. After finalizing policy priorities for the next Farm Bill, growers spent a day meeting with their Senators and Representatives on the Hill. As always, the Barley, Brews, and Boots reception on Capitol Hill was a success, garnering staff and members from several key offices and Ag Committees. NBGA Directors will meet next in Minneapolis this June.

Charlie Baumgarner and Boyd Heilig speak with Montana Senator Jon Tester at the Barley, Brews, and Boots reception.

Matt Horlacher engages with Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California, a member of the House Ag Committee.