After the conference report was released on Monday by the Agriculture Committee leaders, both the Senate and House moved quickly to vote and pass the farm bill.  The legislation, which now goes to President Trump for signature, aligns loosely with the House version and includes several funding changes adopted from the Senate bill.  Overall, the measure is a major win for the animal health priorities important to UEP.

The bill builds upon the existing National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) authority to establish a National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) and National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB). The NADPRP will work to address the risk of introduction and spread of animal diseases. Under the program, USDA will partner with state departments of agriculture, colleges of veterinary medicine, state or national livestock producer organizations, and other like entities to enhance animal pest and disease analysis and surveillance, expand outreach and education, and enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities. The bill’s National Animal Vaccine Bank will maintain sufficient quantities of veterinary countermeasures to appropriately and rapidly respond to damaging animal diseases.

The bill provides $300 million in mandatory funding and to support animal health.

• $120 million for FY 2019 – 2022 ($20 million for NADPRP, $100 million to be allocated among NAHLN, NADPRP, and NAVVCB)
• $30 million per year for FY 2019 – 2023 for NAHLN (with authorization for appropriations for NADPRP and NAVVCB for sums as necessary)
• $30 million for FY 2023 and each year after ($18 million for NADPRP and $12 million to be allocated among NAHLN, NADPRP, and NAVVCB)

“America’s farmers and ranchers are weathering the fifth year of severe recession, so passing a farm bill this week that strengthens the farm safety net is vitally important,” said Chairman Conaway. “I am grateful to the President, Secretary Perdue and my leadership for standing fast for the hard-working farm and ranch families that clothe and feed us.”