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NFU Outlines Farm Bill Priorities for Senate |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2013
Contact: Melisa Augusto, 202-314-3191
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Dan McEvily, 202-314-3104
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WASHINGTON (May 13, 2013) – Ahead of Tuesday’s scheduled markup, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry highlighting NFU’s official stance on amendments to the 2013 Farm Bill.
“NFU is pleased that the process to review the 2013 Farm Bill is advancing,” said Johnson. “We applaud the committee for structuring the commodity title in a way that provides family farmers protection both when disasters strike and in times of long-term price collapse. Currently, reference prices are far too low to provide farmers meaningful protection against price collapse. NFU opposes all amendments designed to undermine the Adverse Market Payments (AMP) program, which is the program that would provide that protection.”
Three amendments NFU supports are Sen. Roberts’ amendment eliminating duplicative Clean Water Act permitting requirements for farmers using pesticides already registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act; Sen. Leahy’s amendment ensuring producers participating in the Organic Initiative of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are subject to the same payment limit as all other EQIP participants; and Sen. Harkin’s amendment to reduce the statutory minimum interest rate for Farm Service Agency direct farm ownership loans in joint financing arrangements
NFU strongly opposes Sen. Johanns’ amendment to eliminate Country-of-Origin Labeling requirements for livestock and poultry. Consumers have the right to know where their food comes from and America’s producers are proud of the quality of the products they grow.
“NFU will continue to work with members of the committee and all members of the Senate to ensure that a comprehensive, five-year farm bill reaches the Senate floor in advance of the September 30 deadline.”
Click here to read the letter.
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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NFU Outlines Priorities in House Farm Bill |
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WASHINGTON (May 13, 2013) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson sent a letter to U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., and Ranking Member Collin Peterson, D-Minn., today outlining key priorities in advance of the amendment filing deadline of the 2013 Farm Bill.
In his letter, Johnson praised the draft language for Title I of the bill, arguing that commodity programs provide protections to family farmers when disasters strike and during times of long-term price collapse.
“Modifications to better balance the protections offered by the Price Loss Coverage program should not undermine the integrity of the program,” Johnson further noted.
One troubling aspect of the markup, Johnson said, is included language that would require a study on Country-of-Origin (COOL) labeling implementation.
“Consumers overwhelmingly want to know more about the origins of their food, farmers and ranchers want to provide this information, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed a rule that will fully comply with recent rulings by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO has already made it clear that the law itself is fully compliant with our trade obligations; this language is an unwarranted attempt to delay the process and do serious damage to COOL.”
In his letter, Johnson drew further concern with removing stabilization programs from the dairy reform language in the committee’s draft.
“It would be irresponsible, and expensive for American taxpayers, to include the margin protection program without the stabilization program to serve as a safety valve to prevent over-production and a resulting price collapse.”
Click here to view letter.
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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NFU: 2013 Farm Bill Gaining Momentum |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2013
Contact: Melisa Augusto, 202-314-3191
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Dan McEvily, 202-314-3104
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
WASHINGTON (May 10, 2013) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement regarding the release of the initial draft of the 2013 Farm Bill by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture:
“NFU is pleased to see the House Committee on Agriculture taking action on this important piece of legislation.
“I am happy to see that target price protection was included in the bill, especially target prices that are balanced and set at a meaningful level. The inclusion of stronger protection against long-term price collapse for all commodities in all regions is also a step in the right direction. The strong support for crop insurance is also a positive element for U.S. family farmers and ranchers for when natural disasters strike.
“NFU is deeply disappointed that the energy title has no mandatory funding for programs that are critical to our country’s energy independence and ending our reliance upon foreign oil.
“Just as farm safety net programs are important for farmers facing hardship, nutrition programs provide critical assistance to consumers in difficult times. I encourage the House to strongly consider a more moderate approach when reducing funding for programs that help the food insecure in this country.
“Including language to study Country-of-Origin Labeling is disheartening and unnecessary, as the World Trade Organization has already stated that the law is in compliance with our trade obligations. This unwarranted attempt to strip consumers of their right to know where their meat comes from is alarming.
“It is encouraging to see momentum on a new five-year farm bill from both the House and Senate as the Sept. 30, 2013 deadline approaches. NFU urges swift passage of a responsible farm bill through the House Agriculture Committee and expeditious consideration on the House floor.”
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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NFU Weighs in on Trade Negotiations |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2013
Contact: Melisa Augusto, 202-314-3191
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Dan McEvily, 202-314-3104
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
WASHINGTON (May 10, 2013) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson submitted comments today on a possible Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the European Union and sent a letter to the office of the U.S. Trade Representative in advance of the 17th round of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, to be held in Lima, Peru, from May 15 to May 24, 2013.
“NFU takes a broad approach when considering the merits of trade policy,” said Johnson. “Trade has a far-reaching effect on the structure and quality of countries’ economies; therefore, trade agreement negotiations should not simply be limited to regulating trade-specific issues like domestic support levels, export subsidies and market access. Trade agreements must also address differences in labor standards, environmental standards, health standards, the trade-distorting effect of currency manipulation, and cartelization of markets.”
In regard to the TTIP, the comments note the importance of trade balance, fair compensation for farmers and other workers, and protection from dumping and other unfair trade practices that force farmers off their land.
“The TTIP should establish minimum standards for environmental, food and product safety, and consumer information,” said Johnson. “These important considerations should not be limited, and terms of any agreement should not prohibit countries from enacting measures that protect their citizens’ safety.”
Johnson noted lingering concerns with the secrecy in which the TPP negotiation process has been conducted. He also urged caution in TPP talks, specifically as they relate to dairy policies.
“It is not in the interest of family-owned and -operated dairies to open greater access to a country with a consolidated entity controlling the dairy sector,” said Johnson. “U.S. trade negotiators should not force other countries in the TPP to dismantle supply management programs, especially as efforts are currently underway to implement a similar system in the United States. Dairy should not be part of any TPP agreement if these inconsistencies are left unresolved.”
Click here to read the TTIP comments and the TPP letter.
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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Click here to read the World Farmers Organisation policy on international trade |
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Senate Ag Committee Releases Farm Bill, NFU Praises Movement on Critical Legislation |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2013
Contact: Melisa Augusto, 202-314-3191
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Dan McEvily, 202-314-3104
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
WASHINGTON (May 9, 2013) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement regarding the release of the initial draft of the 2013 Farm Bill by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry:
“NFU is encouraged that the initial draft of the farm bill has been circulated to members of the Senate Agriculture Committee in advance of the committee markup next week.
“We are pleased to see that target price protection was added to the bill. However, in order to be substantial, target prices need to be increased and balanced in a meaningful way. We urge the inclusion of stronger protection against long-term price collapse for all commodities in all regions. It is also promising that some important programs left out of the one-year extension of the 2008 Farm Bill, like the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, have been reauthorized and funded.
“Crop insurance remains a strong part of the safety net to help producers survive difficult times. In the bipartisan, collaborative style typical of the agriculture community, a compromise was reached to link conservation compliance requirements to crop insurance, which was strongly supported across the industry.
“We are encouraged that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains virtually unchanged from last year’s bill in both program and funding. It is crucial that we continue to provide a safety net to those who are food insecure in our own country.
“In the mark, the Conservation Reserve Program acreage cap is gradually reduced from 30 million acres to 25 million acres due to budget constraints, and the conservation title remains essentially the same from last year’s Senate farm bill.
“NFU is very pleased to see a strong energy title that includes $800 million in mandatory funding for programs such as the Rural Energy for America Program, Biomass Crop Assistance Program, Biobased Markets Program and Biorefinery Assistance Program.
“Following conversations this morning with Chairman Lucas, we expect the House Committee on Agriculture to follow suit very soon and are pleased to see movement in both chambers because Sept. 30, 2013, is rapidly approaching.
“NFU urges swift passage of the legislation through the Senate Agriculture Committee and expeditious consideration on the Senate floor later this month.”
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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