Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau
Federation Regarding Senate Consideration of the Farm Bill, S.
1731
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 12, 2002 – "We are disappointed that the Senate
failed to remove the detrimental water rights provision from the farm
bill. The provision, proposed by Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), poses an
extraordinary new threat to agriculture and the ability of farmers and
ranchers to remain economically viable. For that reason, we will oppose
the Senate farm bill.
"We are also disappointed that the Senate voted last week to impose
stringent limitations on farm payments. We believe that action will hurt
family farmers, the group that payment limitation proponents say they are
trying to help.
"It is unfortunate that the Senate farm bill is encumbered by these
provisions, which jeopardize passage of a farm bill this year. The fact
remains, farmers and ranchers need a farm bill sooner not later, one that
provides assurances to their lenders that adequate government assistance
will be forthcoming for the 2002 crops."
-30-
|