James Callan of James Callan and Associates in Washington, D.C. released an update on Aug. 5 outlining recent federal actions in Congress and the United States Department of Agriculture that are important to the North Dakota Grain Growers Association.
The update highlights legislative developments such as H.R. 267, known as the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act, which was approved by the House Agriculture Committee on July 29. The bill includes an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute that would extend WHIP+ for both 2020 and 2021 and introduces reforms aimed at improving what has been described as an overly burdensome application process experienced during previous years.
Senate consideration is also underway regarding enhancements to WHIP+ within the Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture Appropriations Bill. According to Senator Hoeven’s office, this bill contains more than $7 billion in disaster assistance intended to help farmers and ranchers facing losses from droughts and other natural disasters.
The Risk Management Agency (RMA) has announced extensions for certain deadlines and waived interest deferral requirements for emergency drought relief measures. Additionally, RMA authorized emergency procedures designed to assist producers impacted by drought conditions. Producers are now permitted to hay, graze, or chop cover crops at any time while still receiving full prevented planting payments.
The North Dakota Grain Growers Association operates statewide while engaging with federal policymakers; it obtains funding through membership dues from farmers and agricultural leaders. The group promotes economic vitality for farmers through advocacy, education, market development initiatives, leadership efforts, collaboration with organizations such as the Midwest Council on Agriculture, and aims to boost profitability for wheat and barley producers across North Dakota—all according to the official website.
Looking ahead, further Congressional action is expected regarding these legislative proposals impacting agricultural disaster relief programs.
