Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding House Ag Committee Passage of Farm Bill Proposal
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 20, 2007 – “The American Farm Bureau Federation commends the House Agriculture Committee for passing Chairman Collin Peterson’s farm bill proposal. The committee bill is a balanced proposal that addresses the needs of a broader core of U.S. farmers, expanding benefits to literally all sectors of agriculture.
“The committee bill makes several significant reforms in farm programs that address increasingly broad sector needs. In addition to extending the safety net for program commodities, it provides $1.6 billion in funding to fruit and vegetable and horticultural crop producers in areas critical to their operations. By better balancing support programs between all types of crops, the bill further encourages farmers to plant for the market, not for the benefit of government programs. This is critical at a time when meeting changing demand for farm products for various uses, such as biofuels, will depend on producer flexibility.
“The bill’s nutrition and conservation titles are the best funded in farm bill history. It also has a strong energy title, with $2.5 billion in additional funding.
“Farm Bureau will continue to work with House leadership as the bill moves to the floor next week for debate.”
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| Contacts: | Tracy Taylor Grondine (202) 406-3642 tracyg@fb.org |
Mace Thornton (202) 406-3641 macet@fb.org |
