The National Association of Wheat Growers today applauded the work
of House and Senate conferees as they reached agreement on a Farm Bill.
The result was a product of compromise and offers badly needed support to
wheat producers of the nation.
This legislation is important not only to wheat producers and to all
American farmers, but it is important to American consumers. The 6-year
bill ensures the continued supply of nutritious, safe and inexpensive food
to American consumers.
The conference report makes generous allocation of resources to a
variety of programs. The Conservation Title provides a total of over $17
billion dollars, an 80% increase in previous spending. The Conservation
Security Act provides $2 billion for maintaining and increasing farm and
ranch stewardship practices. Nutrition programs are supported for $6.4
billion. Development in rural America is provided for through funds for
communication, value added projects, and for guarantees for rural business
investment. The bill also fosters trade and research.
The National Association of Wheat Growers is grateful for the hard work
of the House and Senate conferees as they worked long hours over weekends
to conclude the conference report. NAWG president Gary Broyles expressed
his appreciation not only for the work of conferees, but also for the
efforts of the House and Senate Agriculture staffs, and Conferee staff.
“They gave generously of their time and energy to make certain that the
interests of American producers were represented. We are grateful for
their efforts that have paid off in the reaching of a compromise.”
NAWG has been an integral part of the Farm Bill process, offering
testimony as the House began its hearings into the matter. While
compromises were made in reaching agreement, the Conference report
includes the basic elements of support that provide a safety net that NAWG
originally requested.
“This bill addresses multiple needs in a balanced way,” said Daren
Coppock, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers. We look for
support from both the House and the Senate for final passage allowing for
implementation.”
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