Ag groups weigh in on infrastructure bill

With the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday, Nov. 4, ag industry organizations are reacting to the legislation and its anticipated impact on the industry.

Western Growers

“Western fresh produce growers and indeed farmers throughout the West have reason to celebrate passage of this bipartisan infrastructure bill,” stated Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia in a statement from Western Growers. “The inclusion of $8 billion dedicated to addressing critical water supply needs will provide significant benefits for family farmers and rural communities across the West experiencing climate change impacts, historic drought, regulatory pressures and wildfire. The funding for additional water, forestry and ecosystem restoration programs is vital to safeguarding our domestic agricultural production and long-term food security.”

American Farm Bureau Federation

“We cannot afford to ignore the millions of miles of roadways, waterways and railways rural America relies on to keep our country fed, especially as we see widespread supply chain challenges,” stated Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “Extending broadband to rural communities is just as much a priority. A quarter of America’s farm families have no high-speed internet access while working to meet the needs of a growing world. Investments in physical infrastructure like broadband will be critical to bridging the digital divide.”

American Soybean Association

“Good things can indeed come to those who wait, and passage of this long-considered bill is a win for everyone in our country. Infrastructure is critical to the long-term success of not only the ag industry, but also the general health of American commerce and global competitiveness,” stated Kevin Scott, soybean farmer from Valley Springs, South Dakota, and American Soybean Association president. “We are very appreciative that our congressional leaders stayed the course on this important package that will bolster the U.S. economy, and which encompasses so many priorities for soy, ranging from surface transportation and waterways funding to investments in rural broadband and new opportunities for soy-based products.”

National Corn Growers Association

In its statement, the NCGA stated, “As 60% of corn exports move on the inland waterways system, the maintenance of that system is vital for the global competitiveness of U.S. farmers. The funds dedicated to providing broadband access specifically for rural areas will be meaningful for corn growers who rely on this access for marketing crops, using precision technologies and running their business.”