Agricultural and Food Policy
 Agri Outlook Radio
Number 144
Policy/Noteworthy: New Farm Bill: Short-Term Extension (1:59 minutes)
Audio/Video Script:
Dr. Bobby Coats
Extension Economist
University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture
Senator Tom
Harkin indicates a new farm bill is in sight. I’m Bobby Coats
Extension Economist University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Ag Committee and Chairman
of the Senate-House conference committee on the new farm bill issued the
following statement after the Senate passed an extension of the 2002 farm bill
to April 18 of this year. The short-term extension was necessary while
Congress works on the new farm bill. Harkin said, “We continue to make
progress on the farm bill. Talks continue on a bipartisan basis between
the
Senate and House negotiators and each day brings us closer to resolution.
Although a new bill is within reach, Congress needs more time to reach agreement
and obtain the necessary cooperation from the White House. There is still
a considerable amount of work ahead before we can pass a bill: obtaining
the needed funding for the bill and fitting all of the demands within the
funding we expect to be available. This short-term extension will ensure
America’s farm and nutrition programs continue until the new farm bill is
completed.”
My closing comment, I continue to believe that good progress is being made on
writing the new farm bill. Writing a farm bill is extremely challenging and
difficult. This is a far more difficult farm bill to write than the 1996 or the
2002 farm bills and they were signed into law in April and May respectively.
From my perspective to have a farm bill by the last of May would be an amazing
accomplishment given today’s economic setting.
This has been Bobby Coats Extension Economist University of Arkansas Division
of Agriculture.
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