Agricultural News
NFU President Roger Johnson says Agriculture is an unfair target of budget cuts
Wed, 01 Jun 2011 9:32:17 CDT
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee passed the agriculture subcommittee bill for Fiscal Year 2012:
"The bill approved this evening by the House Appropriations Committee would result in a $6 billion cut (26 percent) for discretionary agriculture programs since 2010. Farmers and ranchers understand the need to do our part to trim the deficit, but this budget has agriculture shouldering a disproportionate share of the burden.
"The most egregious part of the proposal is language that would stop the writing and implementation of the proposed Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rule. Preventing the use of funds to protect farmers and ranchers from the abuses of packers and processors has little budgetary impact. We appreciate the efforts of Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio to support farmers and ranchers by introducing an amendment to remove the language. Unfortunately, the language was included in the approved bill, which is a blatant attempt to advance a policy goal through appropriations, and I urge that funds for the enforcement of the GIPSA rule be reinstated in future versions of the agriculture appropriations bill.
"Our economy, especially in rural areas, is on the edge of recovery. When funding is slashed for research, rural development, and renewable energy, we are taking our foot off of the accelerator and stepping on the brakes. Farmers' ability to comply with environmental regulations is harmed by cuts to conservation programs. Important protections in food safety and financial markets are undermined by limited resources for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In times of tight budgets, it is crucial that every dollar be used as effectively as possible. It is crucial to ensure the GIPSA rule, CFTC, and FDA are well-funded so that family farmers and ranchers and consumers are protected."
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