The Associated Press uncovered a workforce of prisoners producing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of agricultural products and goods by popular food brands.
The current bill, which funds everything from crop insurance to nutrition programs, was set to expire back in September. Congress gave itself a yearlong extension to negotiate an update — but it could take even longer than that.
In August, agricultural exports were about 20% lower than the same time a year ago, according to the Commerce Department. That’s because export volumes have fallen, and ag prices are coming off of recent highs.