The Farmer and the Congressman: Comments on the Passing of the Farm Bill

The Farm Bill passed in the Senate this week with a vote of 68-32 margin. The House passed the bill by a 251-166 vote last week. It will now go to the President to be signed.

Republican US Congressman Chris Gibson of the 19th District, a strong advocate of the Farm Bill, shared his thoughts with WDLA's Ron Galley:

The Farm Bill will also support fruit and vegetable farmers and family farms, as well as the crop insurance program. Congressman Gibson comments further:

Bradd Vickers, President of the Chenango County Farm Bureau, says the bill is not perfect but has some relief for area dairy farmers. He spoke with WBKT's Jim Sargent:

Vickers says another plus for area farmers is crop insurance protection that has been modified and improved to include help for fruit growers whose crops were destroyed by the 2012 early frost. He also spoke about specialty crops:

The contentious Farm Bill took almost three years to pass. President Obama is expected to sign it.