Farmers in North Carolina and around the country are keeping their eyes on Washington, where Congress is crafting a new Farm Bill.
The Senate's version cuts more than $2 billion in agricultural spending per year, but includes about $100 billion in subsides over the next five years. President Obama has asked Senators to find more ways to save money, including cuts to a farm insurance program.
Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC) says she supports a Farm Bill that includes crop insurance, but ends annual direct-cash payments to farmers.
"They can't plan. They can't expect what's going to be out there, so it's no way for them to run a business," Sen. Hagan says.
"Farmers need to know the rules of the road and that's what this bill will allow. It's a set policy for the next five years and it reforms the direct payment system."
A spokesman for Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) said he was not available for comment. The Senate is in its third day of debate Wednesday on its version of the Farm Bill.
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