National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson has issued a statement in response to this.

Mr Johnson said: "The US Congress has put all Americans in a dire situation. The uncertainty created by the failure to come to an agreement on how to fund the government has overshadowed a situation that impacts the livelihood of so many family farmers, ranchers, fishermen and hungry people in this country.

"Today marks the second time that the 2008 Farm Bill was set to expire. We are once again in a time of uncertainty and limbo.

"NFU urges Congress to end the partisan politics that are presently taking over the ability to accomplish any business. House leadership should appoint conferees to the farm bill conference committee so that a five-year, comprehensive bill can be put forward for the president to sign. We simply cannot afford another extension or period of inaction."