WASHINGTON (July 31, 2007)—In a victorious moment for America’s farmers, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly rejected the Kind-Flake amendment last Thursday night by an astonishing vote of 309 to 117. Thanks to the support and persistence of the House Agriculture Committee and Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), as well as various coalitions and associations representing America’s farmers, the 2007 farm bill was then passed on Friday and now activities move to the U.S. Senate.
Commodity groups from across the nation expressed their gratitude:
“The American Soybean Association today applauded passage of the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act by the U.S. House of Representatives. ‘This important legislation improves on the 2002 Farm Bill by increasing the income safety net for soybean producers, encouraging domestic production of soy-based biodiesel, authorizing a new program to promote healthy oilseeds, and increasing funding for the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program,’ said ASA President John Hoffman.”—American Soybean Association Press Release“‘We are pleased that the House approved a bill with commodity and cotton provisions very similar to the committee-passed bill and successfully rejected amendments which would have significantly changed those important provisions,’ said [NCC ]Chairman Pucheu.”—National Cotton Council Press Release
“‘This vote is welcome news for USA Rice members, agriculture as a whole and ultimately for American consumers,’ said Paul T. Combs, chairman of the USA Rice Producers Group. “It will help ensure that America’s consumers can continue to enjoy one of, if not the most affordable, safest food supplies in the world.”—USA Rice Federation Press Release
“‘We’re pleased to see the House pass this legislation, which will continue to provide a safety net for American farmers,’ said MCGA President Curt Watson. ‘The bill also helps increase our food and fuel security by providing strong nutrition, renewable fuels and conservation titles.'”—Minnesota Corn Growers Association Press Release
“‘It has been a long week in Washington, but I was happy to see House Members stand behind the Committee on Agriculture and support the 2007 Farm Bill on the floor Friday.'”—Statement of National Association of Wheat Growers President John Thaemert
“Stallman said that vote was indicative of the level of strong support for continuing a basic level of public investment to ensure a secure and reliable domestic food supply for American consumers.”—American Farm Bureau Federation Press Release
In a letter to Congress last week, 79 farm and commodity groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union, called upon Congress to “reject outright any amendments that would weaken the farm safety net provided under the House Agriculture Committee Chairman Paterson’s mark.” To view the letter, [click here].