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AF&PA Welcomes House Passage of the Farm Bill

Association looks ahead to continued collaboration as the Farm Bill moves forward

WASHINGTON D.C. — American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm Bill.

“AF&PA commends the House for advancing a bipartisan Farm Bill and the leadership of House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, as well as the work of lawmakers to move this important legislation forward. The Farm Bill plays a central role in supporting forest conservation, rural economies and a reliable fiber supply for U.S. manufacturing.

"For pulp, paper, packaging and tissue products manufacturers, the Farm Bill helps sustain working forests that provide renewable raw materials for everyday products. It also supports the hardworking Americans who make these products and keep our manufacturing facilities running. We support policies that strengthen forest management and promote long-term forest health while maintaining a strong domestic manufacturing base.

“AF&PA also appreciates the House’s decision not to adopt an amendment related to the Renewable Fuel Standard and woody biomass. We recognize differing perspectives across the forest value chain and the need for continued dialogue, and we stand ready to work collaboratively with lawmakers and stakeholders on market‑based policies that avoid unintended consequences for forest products manufacturing.

“As the Farm Bill process continues, AF&PA looks forward to engaging with Congress to advance solutions that support working forests, domestic manufacturing and the communities that depend on them.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day. The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. Our industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually. AF&PA member companies are significant producers and users of renewable biomass energy and are committed to making sustainable products for a sustainable future through the industry’s decades-long initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030