The U.S. Senate has extended the 2002 farm bill another month while Congress works on the new farm bill, according to a statement released by Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin today.

Harkin, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and the Senate-House conference committee on the bill, says progress continues to be made on the new farm bill and daily bipartisan talks between Senate and House negotiators bring them closer to a resolution.

"Although a new bill is within reach, Congress needs more time to reach agreement and obtain the necessary cooperation from the White House," Harkin said. "There is still a considerable amount of work ahead before we can pass a bill: obtaining the needed funding for the bill and fitting all of the demands within the funding we expect to be available. This short-term extension will ensure America's farm and nutrition programs continue until the new farm bill is completed."

The 2002 farm bill was extended to April 18.