Agricultural News
Farm Bill Extension is Political Game, National Farmers Union President Says
Mon, 30 Jul 2012 12:07:28 CDT
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives proposing legislation to extend the 2008 farm bill for one year:
"National Farmers Union stands opposed to the one-year extension of the 2008 Farm Bill. We would support an extension only if the next step is to conference a comprehensive five-year farm bill before the Sept. 30 expiration date.
"An extension that ignores the goal of a five-year bill merely kicks the can down the road, as we are faced with uncertainty about next year's budget. A one-year extension would also necessitate starting the farm bill drafting process over in the new Congress in January. House leadership needs to stop playing political games and show it values rural America, and pass a farm bill now.
"The conservation title is one of the few titles that, since last December, most stakeholders have agreed on. It provides the needed programs for good conservation practices. However, the House one-year extension cuts the one title that had the most agreement among all parties. It also cuts mandatory funding from vital beginning farmer and rancher, renewable energy and direct-to-consumer marketing programs.
"As the drought wreaks havoc across the nation, our farmers and livestock producers are looking for relief and certainty. It is critical that permanent disaster programs be approved retroactively to cover losses incurred in 2012. Our farmers and ranchers are facing a rough harvest and barren pastures; further delays will have a huge impact on the U.S. agriculture industry.
"We commend the Senate Ag Committee, and the entire Senate, for taking swift action on the farm bill and now look to the House to follow suit. The clock is ticking, and this extension is just wasting time that could be spent on passing a bipartisan, forward-looking bill before the Sept. 30 deadline."
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