Duvall warned senators that American farmers are facing severe financial pressure, noting that U.S. Department of Agriculture projections show farm income could fall nearly $50 billion below levels recorded just a few years ago. He stressed that declining commodity prices combined with rising input costs have created a difficult economic environment for producers across the country.
During his testimony, Duvall called for policies that expand domestic markets and improve the long-term stability of the farm sector. He recommended measures such as authorizing year-round E15 ethanol sales, modernizing agricultural labor programs, strengthening farm safety nets, and expanding access to international markets. These actions, he said, would help restore balance in the agricultural economy and improve profitability for farmers.
A major concern highlighted in the hearing was the ongoing farm labor shortage, which Duvall described as a significant barrier to production and food processing. He urged Congress to modernize guest-worker programs and create a more reliable agricultural workforce to prevent production from shifting overse.
Duvall also raised alarms about rising fertilizer and fuel costs and potential supply disruptions that could further strain farm operations. He emphasized that farmers remain the backbone of rural America but warned that continued economic imbalance could lead to the loss of more farms nationwide.
The Farm Bureau leader concluded by urging bipartisan cooperation to ensure U.S. farmers can continue producing food, fiber, and fuel for domestic and global markets.
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