Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB2504

Introduced
7/26/23  

Caption

Enabling Farmers to Benefit from Processing Nutrition Programs Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, SB2504 would require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a more uniform application process that allows direct marketing farmers and ranchers to use a single application for multiple nutrition programs. This could markedly increase participation rates among small farmers, facilitating better access to consumers and enhancing their marketing capabilities. Additionally, the bill mandates the establishment of standardized processing technologies for vendors to utilize when handling benefits under these nutrition programs.

Summary

SB2504, known as the Enabling Farmers to Benefit from Processing Nutrition Programs Act of 2023, aims to enhance the efficiency of application processes for farmers wishing to become vendors under various nutrition programs administered by the Department of Agriculture. The bill emphasizes the need for streamlined processes to facilitate participation in programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. This legislation seeks to ease the administrative burdens on farmers, allowing them to access these essential programs more readily.

Contention

While proponents of SB2504 argue that the streamlined processes will lead to increased access and decreased time spent on bureaucratic paperwork, critics may raise concerns regarding the adequacy of support for farmers who may not have the resources to adapt to new technological requirements. Furthermore, there may be debates about whether the bill sufficiently addresses the diverse needs of farmers across different regions, particularly those in underserved areas who may rely heavily on these nutrition programs.

Companion Bills

US HB4943

Same As Enabling Farmers to Benefit from Processing Nutrition Programs Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US HB4943

Enabling Farmers to Benefit from Processing Nutrition Programs Act of 2023

US SB2659

Farmers’ Market and Food Bank Local Revitalization Act of 2023

US SB2577

GusNIP Improvement Act of 2023 Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program Improvement Act of 2023

US SB2583

Farmland for Farmers Act of 2023

US SB2614

Farmer to Farmer Education Act of 2023

US HB5099

Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2023

US SB2670

Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act

US HB1167

Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2023

US HB5296

Fair Credit for Farmers Act of 2023

US SB2326

SNAP Nutrition Security Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.