Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1482881
PalletCentral • September-October 2022 13 the nation's agricultural issues. At the same time, Republican Senate and House members vow not to pack it with climate "buzzwords." It's no secret that the farm bill is a bipartisan issue. e political fighting comes on the heels of the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including billions of dollars to advance climate action. Republicans remain upset that a number of issues normally tackled in the farm bill were inserted into those two pieces of legislation. at along with the reaming sour taste from the way that the last reconciliation bill was passed leaves little appetite for including additional Democratic climate action-related priorities. At the end of the day, the farm bill is a bipartisan piece of legislation that is largely shaped by the four leaders of the House and Senate agriculture committees. Here are four key negotiators of the farm bill, some champions of the wood pallet industry. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) Since his initial election in 2011, Senator John Boozman has been one of the most influential members of the agriculture committee and budget committee – both of which play an essential role in passing legislation related to agriculture industry interests such as subsidies and food stamps. In addition to these roles on committees, Boozman also serves on the Armed Services Committee, where he advocates for farmers' interests concerning military installations located within their districts (or states). John Boozman is among many Republicans who have said they will not allow additional climate provisions into the upcoming farm bill. If Republicans win back the Senate this November, GOP members will be in control of drafting next year's farm bill, and Boozman will lead that effort. Boozman, who served as a conferee on the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee, and helped craft the compromise legislation between the Senate and House of Representatives, is a respected voice on behalf of the agricultural community and rural America. During the last farm bill negotiations, he ensured the final version provided a workable safety net for farmers and ranchers. e wood packaging industry is also vital to his state. In 2016, the production and distribution of wooden pallets contributed $127M in annual economic output for Arkansas. John Boozman assumed office on January 3, 2011, and is running for re-election to the U.S. Senate to represent Arkansas. After a primary election that sometimes seemed closer than it was, he is expected to coast to victory this November. NWPCA, through the PalletPAC, has been a strong supporter of the Senator as he's sought re-election. Congressman David Scott (D-GA) Congressman David Scott Chairs the House Agriculture Committee. He is outspoken in his support for underserved farmers and ranchers and works to expand conservation and energy program opportunities. Scott's goals are to protect the farm bill coalition that has provided a safety net for those struggling to feed their families and those who help to produce that food. He is viewed as a moderate Democrat with a history of working across the aisle. In a recent meeting with Congressman Scott, we shared the critical role of the wood packaging sector in the state, contributing $474M in annual economic output for Georgia. He remarked that until he had been briefed about the pallet sector, using materials that we provided his office, he was unaware of the scope and impact of the pallet sector. David Scott is a member of the U.S. House, representing Georgia's 13th Congressional District. He is running for re-election in November 2022 and is expected to easily win re-election after besting a democratic primary challenger that ran further left. The farm bill is a complicated piece of legislation affecting millions of Americans' lives, and it's an important policy for our economy and environment. The wooden pallet industry is a $31 billion American success story, and there are nearly 3,000 mostly small family businesses operating in all 50 states and almost every Congressional district.