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Veneman Answers Senate Questions on Farm Bill Implementation At a September 17 hearing of the Senate Agriculture Committee, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Ann Veneman testified that farm bill implementation is “on schedule.” In her testimony, Veneman gave an overview of USDA actions to implement the $180 billion Farm Bill, enacted in May, and also answered questions from committee members. Dairy was not a major focus of the hearing, although dairy policy was mentioned several times during the proceedings.Specifically, Senator Peter Fitzgerald (R-IL) asked Veneman whether USDA was planning on a “tilt” - an adjustment to the nonfat powder/butter purchase prices - under the Dairy Price Support Program. She replied that USDA is currently reviewing its options on the program. IDFA believes that USDA should do a tilt in order to help correct the misalignment between market prices and the prices at which USDA buys surplus dairy products under the program. In addition, Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) asked Veneman for details about the new counter-cyclical support payment program for dairy farmers. Veneman noted that USDA expects to issue payments under the program next month. “We have made great progress in implementing the 2002 Farm Bill within a short period of time,” stated Veneman. “I’m happy to report that farmers will receive their checks on time as required by the new law.” To read Veneman’s full testimony, click here.
Posted September 23, 2002 |
