The Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act was lost by a vote of 195-234.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said: “The failure by the House leadership, for the second year in a row, to reach consensus on a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill is a tremendous disappointment for all Americans.

“Twice now, the US Senate has done its job and passed balanced, comprehensive legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“Unfortunately, the House version of this bill would have unfairly denied food assistance for millions of struggling families and their children, while failing to achieve needed reforms or critical investments to continue economic growth in rural America. As a result, the House was unable to achieve bipartisan consensus."

Congressman Rick Crawford said: “I am extremely disappointed that the House failed to pass a Farm Bill, which means agriculture policy could revert to 1949 - causing drastic price increases for consumers and major disruptions for farm operators. This option is unacceptable.

“While the ill effects would hit everyone in America, rural states like Arkansas would be disproportionately affected.

“While the bill was not perfect, it took significant steps to root out waste and abuse, and reduce our debt while reforming farm programs so they work for the modern agricultural economy.

“This battle is not over yet. I will continue to work with Chairman Lucas, Ranking Member Peterson, and all of my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee to pass a bill that gives our growers the certainty they urgently need. I am optimistic that Congress will soon remember who makes our country so great – the American farmer.”

National Farmers Union (NFU) President, Roger Johnson, said: “With today’s failure to pass a farm bill, the House has let down rural America. We are deeply disappointed that the House voted against the best interests of family farmers and rural America.”