Commenting on this, Chairman Frank Lucas said: "This marks an important step forward in the development of the next farm bill.

"I appreciate the efforts of my colleagues and the bipartisan nature in which this legislation was written and approved. This is a balanced, reform-minded, fiscally responsible bill that underscores our commitment to production agriculture and rural America, achieves real savings, and improves program efficiency."

Ranking Member Collin Peterson said: "I'm pleased this markup is behind us and we can continue to move the process forward. The current farm bill expires on September 30 and there only 13 legislative days before the August recess.

"Simply put, the House leadership needs to bring the farm bill to the floor for a vote. We should not jeopardise the health of our rural economies which, by and large, have remained strong the last few years. Our nation's farmers and ranchers need the certainty of a new five year farm bill and they need it before the current farm bill ends."