NCGA Disappointed By Passage of Dorgan-Grassley Amendment (2-8-02)

Despite strong objections voiced by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), other commodity groups and Senators representing farm interests, an amendment to sharply reduce payment limitations on farm supports sailed through by a vote of 66 to 31. Senators Kit Bond (R-MO) and Jean Carnahan (D-MO) were the lone dissenters from the Corn Belt.

The measure introduced by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) requires a combined limit on direct and counter-cyclical payments to $75,000 and $150,000 on marketing loan assistance. An additional $50,000 is allowed for a husband and wife farm operation for a total payment limitation of $275,000.

"We're very disappointed with this turn of events," said Tim Hume, NCGA president and corn grower from Walsh, Colo. "With the passage of this amendment, NCGA feels the passage of an acceptable Farm Bill is becoming less of a reality."

Passage of the Dorgan-Grassley amendment now moves the Senate farm bill one step closer to passage with some reports indicating final action being completed by Tuesday of next week. However, there is still some uncertainty on what steps Senate Democrats from the southern states will take to oppose final passage given the bill's new payment provisions, a 1,000-hour labor requirement and means testing. Support from Senators from several western states also continues to be unknown depending on efforts to amend the bill's controversial water rights provision in the Conservation Reserve Program.

Last reviewed February 8, 2002