Agricultural and Food Policy
 Agri Outlook
Radio
Number 94
Policy/Noteworthy: Part 1- Select Opening Statement Points by Senator Harkin and Senator Chambliss During the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Farm Bill Markup Business Meeting on October 24, 2007 (3:04 minutes)
Audio/Video Script:
Dr. Bobby Coats
Extension Economist
University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture
The following are select key points made by U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA),
Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee as an opening statement during the
Senate Agriculture Committee Farm Bill Markup meeting on October 24, 2007. I’m
Bobby Coats Extension Economist University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
The following are selected comments by U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA),
Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, during his opening statement to
markup the 2007 farm bill. Senator Harkin said,
“This is a bipartisan bill that, I believe, will enjoy broad support on the
committee. It conforms to a strict budget allocation and pay-as-you-go
budget rules, yet still addresses the diverse geographical and philosophical
views on our Committee in a balanced way.”
“The commodities title of the proposal continues basic features of the 2002
bill, which have worked well, and it gives producers a new option, beginning in
the 2010 crop year, to choose to participate in a state-level revenue protection
system.”
“In the nutrition title, we strengthen our commitment to fighting hunger and
promoting sound health and nutrition.”
“The conservation title has an estimated $4 billion in new budget authority.
This will allow Conservation Security Program – now renamed the Conservation Stewardship Program – to grow
vigorously at a pace of more than 13 million acres a year, which with the 15
million acres already enrolled, will equal 80 million acres in 5 years.”
“In the energy title, we provide $1.1 billion in investments in farm-based
energy. The Chairman’s mark supports programs to help farmers to
transition into biomass crops, and supports the construction of biorefineries
from cellulose ethanol with a loan guarantee program that will provide up to 80
percent of total project cost with a loan cap of $250 million.”
“The bill’s livestock title will promote market opportunities for producers;
it will protect animal health; and it will strengthen enforcement of the Packers
and Stockyards Act. This title includes the House compromise on mandatory
Country of Origin Labeling, with minor changes.”
“In the rural development title, we have provided nearly half a billion
dollars for a variety of initiatives that will promote economic growth and
create jobs in rural communities.”
“Overall, this new farm bill will be good for farmers, good for rural
communities and good for the environment. It will promote the health as
well as the energy security of the American people.”
This has been Bobby Coats Extension Economist University of Arkansas Division
of Agriculture.
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