Farm Bill Includes Support for Specialty Crops, Ag Research, WSU-Based Clean Plant Center Northwest, PILT Program

Statement

"Washington state's economy is driven by dozens of successful agriculture industries, and the Farm Bill we passed today doubles down on important investments in the farmers and growers who have made Washington's agricultural products world famous.

"To be sure, this legislation is a compromise, and nobody got everything they wanted, but I'm proud that we were able to secure critical wins for Eastern and Central Washington's agricultural industries. From the PILT program, which serves as a lifeline for rural counties, to funding for WSU's Clean Plant Center Northwest and investments in specialty crops, this legislation will support Washington state's economy for years to come.

"Despite the hard-fought victories for agriculture programs and industries, I'm very disappointed that this compromise makes harmful cuts to nutrition programs for low-income families in Washington state. Food assistance was there for my family when we needed it, and now is not the time to leave behind families and children who need help putting food on the table. That's why I'll continue working with my colleagues to strengthen the SNAP program that families across our country rely on."

The compromise Farm Bill includes cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), but restored billions in additional cuts included in the original House proposal. During negotiations Senator Murray urged House and Senate leaders to fully fund nutrition programs.

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