McCaul backs new farm bill supporting Texas agriculture

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) has declared his support for the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, a newly-released farm bill that aims to authorize funding for various agricultural and food programs through 2029.

"Texas is home to more than 230,000 farms and ranches — more than any other state by far," said Rep. McCaul. "That’s why Texans understand, appreciate, and take pride in the work of our farmers and ranchers. They put in long, hard days to protect our lands, secure our food supply chains, and cultivate crops that are rich in the nutrients our children need. I am proud to wholeheartedly support the 2024 farm bill, which provides these dedicated men and women with the resources they need to continue feeding and fueling our nation."

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 includes several provisions aimed at benefiting Texas’ farmers and ranchers. Specifically, it seeks to:

- Implement conservation practices addressing damage on farmlands near the border caused by the border crisis.

- Increase USDA loan limits and expand crop insurance discounts for young and veteran farmers.

- Strengthen rural development by reauthorizing rural broadband programs and improving the Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program to prevent rural hospital closures.

- Increase authorized appropriations for agriculture research, including programs utilized by Texas A&M Prairie View and TAMU AgriLife.

- Combat threats from adversarial nations attempting to own agricultural land.

- Protect cattle and other livestock by maintaining funding against foreign animal diseases and allowing livestock auction owners to invest in meat packing facilities.

For further details on the bill's full text or a topline summary, additional information is available online.