Washington, D.C. – Citing the tremendous impact farmers and ranchers have on Idaho’s economy, and the need for less regulations that obstruct the agriculture industry’s ability to feed the world, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) today supported and the Senate passed the Agriculture Improvements Act of 2018, or the Farm Bill.

“At least 25,000 farms in Idaho contribute significantly to our state’s economy, producing more than 180 commodities and earning an average of $27 billion annually,” said Senator Risch. “This Farm Bill provides more certainty and predictability to those farms and our entire agriculture industry and helps keep our food supply safe and affordable for all Americans.” 

Specifically, H.R. 2 will:

• Improve crop insurance coverage and delivery and reauthorize farm and conservation programs;

• Expand trade assistance and promotion efforts;

• Build on public-private partnerships for agriculture research;

• Improve the integrity and accuracy of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), end bonus programs to states, and modernize data analysis;

• Target assistance to rural communities by expanding rural broadband, prioritize funding for addiction treatment for rural areas to help with opioid crises, and support agriculture programs for military veterans.