WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 28, 2001 – Citing their "unusual display of unity," 32 farm and lender groups today urged the Senate to approve a new farm bill "without delay."

The groups said it "is imperative that the Senate finish work on its bill so it can be reconciled" with the House version and enacted into law before the end of 2001.

"While we may differ on the specific provisions we believe should be included in a farm bill, we all agree that a new farm law is needed to provide an economic boost to rural America," said Leland Swenson, president of the National Farmers Union. "Without Senate action, farmers and ranchers will be denied a much-needed safety net during this period of depressed commodity prices. This is a stimulus package everyone should support."

American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman said the broad consensus expressed by the farm groups should "convince 60 senators of the grassroots support for proceeding on the farm bill." Stallman noted that it will take 60 votes in favor of starting debate on the bill.

"We need a bill before Congress adjourns," said Stallman. "Producers need certainty and stability to plan for next year's crops."

The groups also urged the Senate to consider the farm bill without attaching other non-agricultural legislative initiatives, such as pending energy legislation. While agriculture strongly supports an energy bill that includes renewable energy provisions, attaching it to the farm bill won't allow for quick passage.

"An unencumbered farm bill is the only way to get the bill passed by the Senate and through a conference committee so that Congress can approve a final bill this year," the groups noted.

The groups joined together today at a Capitol Hill news conference to issue their call. The groups include:

Agricultural Retailers Association
American Association of Crop Insurers
American Bankers Association
Alabama Farmers Federation
American Corn Growers Association
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Sheep Industry Association
American Soybean Association
American Sugar Alliance
CoBank
Farm Credit Council
Independent Community Bankers Association
National Association of Farmer Elected Committeemen
National Association of Wheat Growers
National Barley Growers Association
National Cooperative Business Association
National Corn Growers Association
National Cotton Council
National Farmers Organization
National Farmers Union
National Grain Sorghum Producers
National Milk Producers Federation
National Sunflower Association
South East Dairy Farmers Association
Southern Peanut Farmers Federation
The American Beekeeping Federation
US Canola Association
US Dry Pea and Lentil Council
US Rice Producers Association
United Egg Producers
Western Peanut Growers Association
Western United Dairymen

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