The release Friday of the Senate Agriculture Committee chairman's draft of a 2012 Farm Bill shifted the political fight over this major legislation into high gear. Finishing the bill by September, when the current law expires, will be a challenge, especially in an election year. The Farm Bill has many provisions that affect the environment, public health, and environmental health. Amanda Peterka reported in the subscription-only Greenwire April 23, 2012 [2], on a letter from farm lobby groups spearheaded by the American Farm Bureau Federation opposing a proposal from environmental groups that would require farmers to meet conservation requirements in order to qualify for crop insurance.

SEE ALSO:

"Delay Sought on  Farm Bill" (Politico) [3]

"Senate Panel Unveils 2012 Farm Bill Overhaul" (Gannett/Des Moines Register) [4]

"Farmers Face Direct Payments Cut in Farm Bill" (Evansville Courier & Press) [5]

"Farm Bill Sows Discontent" (AP) [6]

"Senate Ag Leaders Release Chairman’s Mark of the 2012 Farm Bill" (Feedstuffs) [7]

"Conservation Programs an Important Piece of Farm Bill Debate" (WJBC Radio Central Illinois) [8]

"Bill Would Expand Insurance for Crops" (The Caucus/NYT) [9]

"Senate Action Kicks Off Uphill Battle To Pass Farm And Food Bill This Year" (AP) [10]

Press release of 4/20/12: "2012 Senate Farm Bill Does More Harm Than Good" (Environmental Working Group) [11]

Press release of 4/23/12: "AFBF Reacts to Senate Farm Bill Proposal" (American Farm Bureau Federation) [12]

"Senate Plan Seeks $23 Billion Cut in Farm Aid, First Since 1996" (KCRG TV9 Iowa) [13]

"Congress Begins Uphill Battle To Pass Farm Bill" (Bloomberg)
[14]
"Troy Schroeder: New Farm Bill Should Protect Sensitive Lands" (Wichita Eagle) [15]

Opinion: "Conserving Lands, Creating Jobs in Farm Bill" (John Crabtreee, Center for Rural Affairs/ via Syracuse Journal-Democrat) [16]

"More Farm Bill Hearings Slated" (National Hog Farmer) [17]