Hispanic Access Foundation climate manager Hilda Berganza said it will be crucial to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, known as Cal Fresh in California and formerly known as food stamps.

"As of 2024, 32% of those applying for SNAP are actually in rural areas," she said, "which is a big shift from what we've seen in the last few years - where it's usually within the cities, especially with the cost of living going up everywhere."

The $1.5 trillion version of the Farm Bill being promoted by House Republicans, which is currently being heard in committee, would slash $30 billion from SNAP over the next 10 years. Funding for SNAP and other nutrition programs makes up 80% of the Farm Bill. When it's finalized, the Farm Bill will cover the next five years.

Berganza said 78% of people working in the agriculture industry are Latino, and climate change is making their jobs much harder.

"We want to make sure that we promote climate-smart agricultural initiatives," she said, "and the Farm Bill Risk Management Program to ensure financial security for farmers facing extreme weather, including droughts, floods and heat waves."

Advocates are also asking lawmakers to prioritize the Conservation Stewardship and Environmental Quality Incentives programs, both of which integrate land and wildlife habitat conservation into farming practices to support biodiversity and a more sustainable agriculture system.

Written by Suzanne Potter for Public News Service.