FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2002
Contact: Drew Goesl 

Lincoln, Southern Lawmakers Tell Majority Leader of Need for Farm Bill

Washington – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) told Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) today the longer the Conference Committee delays passing a farm bill, the harder it will be for many Arkansas farmers to survive.

"A farm bill is a matter of survival to Southern producers, and this delay is jeopardizing their livelihood," Lincoln said to Senator Daschle. "While some states have yet to begin their planning season, the farmers I represent are already in the fields."

Lincoln's comments came from a meeting she organized with Majority Leader Daschle and other Southern Democratic Senators to express her concern over the dangers Southern states face by further delaying enactment of a farm bill. Lincoln expressed concern about the ongoing debate over payment limits and urged Senator Daschle to help craft a conference package that recognizes the needs of Southern farmers.

"It's imperative that Arkansas farmers have unhindered, effective access to commodity support programs," Lincoln said. "The 3-entity rule and generic certificates give us that access."

Daschle reiterated to Lincoln that Democrats were committed to getting a farm bill, and that adhering to that pledge was one of his top goals.

"Senator Daschle understands that the time is now for a farm bill, and he understands that our farmers are in dire straits," Lincoln said. "Southern states have already begun their prime prime planting season, and our farmers must have a policy in place they can depend on."

Other Southern lawmakers present include Senators Zell Miller (D-GA), John Breaux (D-LA), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Max Cleland (D-GA), and Jean Carnahan (D-MO). Aides for Senator John Edwards (D-NC), who was unable to attend, were also present.