N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8 POTATO GROWER 9 Congress can focus more of its attention on policy. Without further action, the absence of a Farm Bill means that elements of U.S. agricultural policy will either cease functioning or revert to their historical predecessors as crops begin their individual 2019 year over the next few months. It has been nearly two decades since the Farm Bill was passed on time, so this isn't the end of the world in the near-term, but pressure will build with each missed day. Similarly, the Agriculture Appropriations Bill sets spending for programs across the Department of Agriculture. Under a temporary “continuing resolution” those amounts are frozen, so important adjustments to staffing levels, pest and disease resources and ongoing research activities cannot take place. If the continuing resolution expires and no successor is passed, then most activities of USDA will cease. We are optimistic that the opportu- nity to get a new Farm Bill and an FY19 Agriculture Appropriations Bill done exists during this lame duck session between now and the end of December. Dragging them into a new Congress and starting all over again wastes resources and harms the interests of producers with each passing day. Count on Techmark for all of your storage ventilation needs. Contact us at 517-322-0250. www.techmark-inc.com Now, these beneficial provisions need to be merged together, passed and signed by the President.