WASHINGTON—The agriculture community applauded the filing of the Farm Bill conference report on Monday, and is urging quick passage of the legislation to provide stability and support for our nation’s farmers and ranchers.
Here are excerpts from statements released by key groups:
The American Farm Bureau Federation:
“We appreciate the hard work of the conferees to get the farm bill to this point. They had many tough decisions to make, but were able to move forward with a solid bill that includes many Farm Bureau-supported provisions. We are particularly pleased with provisions to provide risk management to fruit and vegetable farmers and to support livestock farmers during disasters.” Read full statement here.
American Association of Crop Insurers, Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau and National Crop Insurance Services:
“We are pleased that Senate and House conferees have reached a bipartisan compromise and produced a legislative package that gives modern-day agriculture the tools it needs for success in today’s world. There is a strong consensus among lawmakers that crop insurance should be enhanced and serve as the centerpiece of the farm safety net moving forward, which underscores the success the policy has seen over the years and the popularity it enjoys among farmers.” Read full statement here.
National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson:
“Upon initial review of the language released by the committee, NFU is pleased with the final bill. I know that the farm bill is a long, laborious task and appreciate the work of leadership in both chambers, staff and all who made it possible to get this far in the process.” Read full statement here.
National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President Bing Von Bergen:
“I join my fellow wheat growers in support of the conference committee approved farm bill agreement that strengthens crop insurance and allows growers the necessary safety net to keep a secure, affordable and healthy food supply. In addition, this bill provides funding for important programs in conservation, research and trade that help keep America’s wheat industry productive and competitive on a global scale.” Read full statement here.
National Council of Farmers Cooperatives President Chuck Conner:
“It is long past time for Congress to act in approving a new five-year farm bill. Since last September, farmers and ranchers across the country have faced unprecedented uncertainty in planning for the upcoming crop year. The conference report on the farm bill will provide the certainty producers and their co-ops need and NCFC urges both the House and Senate to approve the farm bill without delay.” Read full statement here.
The American Sugar Alliance:
“Falling sugar prices and foreign subsidies have created a challenging environment for U.S. sugar producers and the 142,000 U.S. jobs they help support. But the sugar policy contained in the 2014 Farm Bill gives them the hope of weathering the storm.” Read full statement here.
USA Rice Federation:
“We think the 2014 Farm Bill Conference Report reflects a good compromise that should be workable for U.S. rice producers by providing a market-based policy that will provide assistance in times of price or revenue declines,” said John Owen, chairman of the USA Rice Producers Group. “Given how far we’ve come, and how long this process has taken, I feel pretty good about this. On behalf of the U.S. rice industry, I commend the leaders and members of the conference committee for their outstanding work and dedication to complete this important process.” Read full statement here.
National Cotton Council Chairman Jimmy Dodson:
“We especially appreciate the inclusion of a transition program for the 2014 crop year since enactment comes too late for USDA and the private sector to offer the new insurance product until 2015. We believe the transition program is structured in a fiscally responsible way that both complies with WTO obligations and can be efficiently delivered by USDA.” Read full statement here.
National Sorghum Producers Chairman J.B. Stewart:
“NSP strongly supports the Agricultural Act of 2014. This legislation meets NSP’s goals in providing farmers with a number of risk management tools, strengthening and protecting crop insurance, and including strong conservation and energy titles. Alongside the market-oriented reforms found in the bill, the legislation saves taxpayers $24 billion.” For full statement, click here.