Release No. 0171.02

 

Alisa Harrison   (202) 720-4623

by

 

Secretary  of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman

Regarding

Conference Committee Farm Bill Agreement

 

April 26, 2002

 

           

“We are encouraged by the efforts of the House and Senate Conferees in reaching an agreement on the framework of a new farm bill.  As President Bush said on Wednesday, ‘the farm bill needs to be completed quickly.’ With this action, farmers should soon know the details of the long-awaited farm bill, which would bring certainty in the coming years.

 

“We commend Chairman Combest for his leadership in achieving a compromise agreement.  Many objectionable provisions have been eliminated that we believe would not have been in the best interests of America’s farmers and ranchers.

 

“While details still need to be completed, the agreement appears to include more market-oriented and rebalanced loan rates as well as increased emphasis on conservation programs for working lands.  However, we look forward to examining more closely the specific provisions of the agreement, including final cost estimates from the Congressional Budget Office to ensure the agreement adheres to the intent and the spirit of the Congressional Budget Resolution.

 

“This is a most critical time in regard to farm bill implementation for the 2002 crop year.  Final action must be concluded now to enable farmers and ranchers to make the necessary business decisions.  While USDA has been working hard to prepare for implementation, there is no doubt that this will be a formidable task in the coming months.

 

     “Again, we are pleased that an agreement has been reached and look forward to continuing our work with the Conferees for a timely resolution to completing this important legislation.”

 

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