The Center for American Progress is hosting a panel discussion with Michael Grunwald, author of We Are Eating the Earth, a provocative critique of both existing policies and proposed reforms, and former U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND). The discussion will explore the implications of federal policy for agricultural producers, rural communities, and climate.
This discussion follows the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included a more than $59 billion increase for farm safety net payments, as well as deep cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which total approximately $186 billion.
The changes to these programs threaten to unravel the farm and food coalition that has crafted and advocated for multiple farm bills. The breakup of the traditional farm bill coalition and the Trump administration’s foundational shift in the federal government’s involvement in food production, trade, nutrition assistance, and rural housing and utility programs create a rare opportunity to rethink agriculture and rural development policy.
Today, we are left to ask, “What is the future of the federal government’s role in agriculture and rural policy after the farm bill?”
Join CAP for this event to hear ideas and engage in this important discussion.