NFU Statement on House Ag Chairman’s Proposed Commodity Title
For Immediate Release: July 9, 2007
Contact: Liz Friedlander, 202-314-3191Supporting Audio: 2 tracks [audio:0709TomChairmansMark1.mp3,0709TomChairmansMark2.mp3]
WASHINGTON (July 9, 2007) – National Farmers Union President Tom Buis made the following statement today regarding House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson’s farm bill commodity title proposal.
“I commend Chairman Peterson and the House Agriculture Committee for crafting the proposed commodity title of the 2007 Farm Bill under very difficult circumstances. In today’s tight budget climate, and with pressure from groups asking for increased funding in a variety of programs, such as nutrition, conservation, rural development and others, I believe they have done a good job of keeping in place a safety net for family farmers.
“In addition, the legislation does seek to improve the current safety net by adding a provision for a permanent emergency disaster program, which is the single biggest challenge producers face and a high priority for NFU members.
“While far from perfect, Chairman Peterson’s mark is a realistic attempt to take the necessary steps in passing a new farm bill prior to the current law’s expiration. There will certainly be opportunity to improve upon the proposal before it becomes law, and we look forward to working with the members of the committee and the full House of Representatives to accomplish this goal.”
