NCGA Expects Farm Bill Activity Expected to Gain Momentum in September (8-31-01)

When Congress returns from recess to resume work, progress toward a completed farm bill could accelerate. Currently, the House Agriculture Committee is ahead of the Senate Agriculture Committee in terms of completing a bill. The House Ag Committee has finished working on its version of the bill.

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Public Policy Vice President Bruce Knight said, "We believe the House Ag Committee will attempt to complete and move the bill quickly, because budget constraints require them to identify how the money will be used."

NCGA has not endorsed the House version of the farm bill, because it was written with a fundamental bias against corn and soybean farmers, Knight noted. House floor action on this bill is possible during the week of September 10.

Knight said because the House Agriculture Committee's version of the farm bill does not favor corn, crafting a farm bill that resembles the NCGA's proposal lies with the Senate Agriculture Committee. Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) has indicated that his committee will deliver a draft farm bill by the end of September.

"Our prospects for equitable treatment are brighter in the Senate, because the corn belt states are much better represented in the Senate Ag Committee than in the House Ag Committee," Knight added. "To maximize our leverage, leaders representing corn and soybeans have been meeting to discuss how we can marshall our support."

For more information on NCGA's perspective on the farm bill , visit the NCGA website at http://www.ncga.com/farmbill/main/index.html.

Last reviewed August 31, 2001