Good Afternoon Cougs –
The 2018 Farm Bill has been sent to the President’s desk for signature and we expect him to sign the bill next week. This marks the first time since 1990 that a Farm Bill will be enacted in the same year that it was introduced. The conference report, which reconciles the differences between the House bill and the Senate bill, passed the House by a margin of 369-47 and the Senate by 87-13, indicating overwhelming support for the 2018 Farm Bill.
You will recall that Washington State University is a major recipient of USDA funds. We are pleased to relay that this Farm Bill represents a tremendous success for WSU and for the State of Washington. The majority of our priorities were well taken care of in the compromise bill. Attached is an overview of WSU priorities and the outcome, overview documents from the House Agriculture committee, and information on some programs that will be of interest, including on rural broadband. These documents provide top level provide top-level analysis – if you have further questions, please reach out directly to Glynda Becker-Fenter, Director of Federal Relations.
WSU’s work on Farm Bill has been an 18-month process done in collaboration with the Washington State Department of Agriculture and with a strong coalition of the agricultural producer, grower, and processor stakeholders in our state. This success is our collective success and a credit to our work together. It also represents strong internal partnership. To that end, Colleen Kerr Vice President of the Office of External Affairs and Government Relations wants to thank CAHNRS Dean Andre Wright, CVM Dean Bryan Slinker, and Vice President for Research Chris Keane for their collaborative partnership and Glynda Becker-Fenter for her leadership on this months long process.
We very much look forward to working with you as USDA implements the Farm Bill.
Happy Holidays and Go Cougs!
Government Relations Team