While there are a number of issues that demand the attention of
wheat producers, perhaps one of the most critical is that of the
preservation of the $49 billion that has been allocated by the House farm
bill to the Commodity Title.
While there may be disagreement as to the delivery systems used to
provide farm support, unless the commodity title is fully funded, the
resources to provide this support will be eroded. Environmental groups and
other special interest groups are making a concerted effort to divert
funds from the commodity title to other titles of the farm bill.
Producers can counteract this campaign in two ways:
1. Utilize the letter on the NAWG site to send a letter to your Senator
or Representative and ask the Member to support the preservation of the
allocation of $49 billion to the commodity title as provided in the House
bill.
2. Contact your House of Representatives member and ask the Member to
sign (1) the Dear Colleague letter to fellow House Members and (2) the
letter to Conferees regarding the dedication of farm bill funding for
commodity support. The two letters are circulated by Tom Osborne
(Nebraska), Mike Pence (Indiana), Allen Boyd (Florida), and Marion Berry
(Arkansas).
These letters remind colleagues and conferees that farmers are facing
their 5th year of record low prices and record high costs of production,
and that farm income is the lowest since the Great Depression. In light of
the $40 billion required in ad hoc assistance over a 4-year period, the
$39 billion as provided by the Senate is simply inadequate.
