Durbin Meets With Farmers, Agriculture Industry Leaders to Discuss New Farm Bill, Ways to Improve Farm Income

Springfield, IL — With the 1996 farm bill set to expire next year, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with farmers and agricultural leaders to discuss ways the new version of the legislation can help Illinois farmers succeed in a difficult market.

Durbin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, said the 1996 farm bill has not provided an adequate safety net for America's farmers.

"While crop prices are improving, they remain at 15- to 25-year lows," Durbin said. "On top of low crop prices, farmers are also struggling with higher fuel and fertilizer costs. Our family farmers need a new farm bill that gives them a fighting chance in the world economy."

Illinois, which ranks 2nd in corn and soybean production and 4th in hog production, generates more than $9 billion annually in agricultural commodities. The state currently is ranked 3rd nationally for the receipt of agriculture market transition assistance (AMTA) payments. This funding is designed to help farmers transition into a market-based system of farming.

Durbin said the new farm bill should focus on innovative ways to strengthen farm income, including enhanced agriculture research and soil and water conservation efforts, promotion of exports and new products and a comprehensive energy program.

"Our farmers should not have to be reliant on the government for survival," Durbin said. "They should be given every opportunity to make a profit on their own."

The U.S. Senate recently unanimously passed a short-term financial assistance package for farmers that provides $4.62 billion in additional AMTA payments. President Bush recently signed the relief package into law.

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