United States Senator (D) Bob Casey visited the farm show on Monday, where he urged Congress to agree upon a new Farm Bill. Congress failed to reach an agreement on a new Farm Bill when it expired on September 30th. The bill works to help finance food stamps and keep production costs low for farmers. Senator Casey says if Congress fails to act soon, dairy prices nationwide could soar. Farmers would also go over the so-called “dairy cliff” pushing a gallon of milk to eight dollars. Casey also added that without a renewed Farm Bill, Pennsylvania’s 47 billion dollar industry will be in grave danger.
Senator Casey says, “In our state its critical, its critical to job protection and job growth and we want to make sure the farm bill passes for that reason, but in addition to other reasons, giving more certainty to farmers as it relates to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and helping them comply.”
Casey is hoping Congress can reach a new deal by the end of the month.