By: NATHAN STUEDLE
Democratic election gains in farm country are raising new questions about the future of American agriculture policy and efforts to pass a new farm bill. Reports say Democrats are preparing to take control of the House and Senate Agriculture committees, while facing the challenge of working with a Republican White House. One immediate question is whether lawmakers can reach a bipartisan farm bill agreement before Congress adjourns this year.
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says Republicans may consider compromising on proposed changes to food assistance cost-sharing requirements to secure enough votes for passage. Grassley also pointed to the potential inclusion of legislation expanding year-round sales of E-15 gasoline, saying the additional demand could put more money in farmers' pockets. While leaders from both parties continue expressing support for a bipartisan agreement, several agriculture organizations are preparing for the possibility of another farm bill extension.