NFU Statement: Farm Bill Extension
For Immediate Release: March 12, 2008
Contact: Liz Friedlander, 202-314-3191Supporting Audio: Track 1, Track 2
WASHINGTON (March 12, 2008) – As farm bill negotiations drag on, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives today voted to extend the 2002 Farm Bill. The extension sets a new deadline of April 18 for Congress to finalize the 2008 Farm Bill.
Below is a statement from National Farmers Union President Tom Buis.
“It’s disappointing that all sides of the farm bill debate could not come together in time to reach the March 15 expiration date. Farmers and ranchers expect conferees to use this extra time to finalize a farm bill that is good for producers.
“There has been more than enough time to finish a new farm bill. The House passed a farm bill in July and the Senate in December. It’s time for negotiators to get down to business and work out an agreement so a new farm bill can be signed into law.
“America’s family farmers and ranchers have been patient for quite some time, but the ground is thawing and planting season cannot be put on hold. Other vital farm bill constituencies including nutrition, conservation, rural development and renewable fuels are also affected by the uncertainty of not enacting a new farm bill.
“This new deadline provides yet another window of opportunity for an agreement to be reached to successfully conclude a new farm bill. It is past due.”
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