House Ag Committee Vote Hears Mixed Reaction
Groups file mixed reactions on the House Ag Committee FARRM Act passage.
Compiled by staff
Published: Jul 13, 2012
Passage of the House Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act (FARRM) brought support and criticism from many in the agriculture industry, with supporters citing the committee's effort to keep the bill intact, and others criticizing deep nutrition and conservation cuts.
The American Farm Bureau Federation and the American Soybean Association stood behind the bill.
AFBF President Bob Stallman said he was aware that farmers weren't going to receive everything they had hoped for in the bill, but commended the House Ag Committee's action on risk management and marketing solutions.
Groups file mixed reactions on the House Ag Committee FARRM Act passage. "For more than a year, we have been advocating farm policy that protects and strengthens risk management programs for all farmers," Stallman said. "This legislation maintains proven program features such as the marketing loan provision and strengthens the crop insurance program while setting a clear example of fiscal responsibility."
ASA also appreciated the risk management and crop insurance programs, and said the group was encouraged by House Ag Committee efforts.
"ASA continues to support provisions in the House bill that reauthorize and fund trade and market development programs, as well as agricultural research programs," said Steve Wellman, ASA president.
The National Sorghum producers also supported the bill, saying it "maintains solid protection for America's farmers and ranchers."
Though most commodity groups were relatively pleased with the 35-11 approval, the National Corn Growers wasn't among them.
NCGA President Garry Niemeyer said the organization was "disappointed" and was expecting significant changes to include a more viable market-oriented risk management program in the bill.
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Tagged: farm bill, ASA, House Ag Committee, the farm bill, crop insurance
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