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ASA Concerned With Disproportionate Cuts

The American Soybean Association is concerned with the disproportionate cuts in agriculture spending in H.R. 1, the Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2011. ASA believes the proposed cuts to agriculture are more than double the amount proposed to be cut in overall non-defense discretionary spending. H.R. 1 would cut $5.21 billion, or 22.4%, from agriculture-related programs and operating budgets during the remaining seven months of FY-2011. This is more than double the 10.3% cut proposed in overall non-defense discretionary spending.

ASA President Alan Kemper, a soybean farmer from Lafayette, Ind., says that while they understand the bill's efforts to decrease discretionary spending, they are concerned that agriculture is being required to absorb a disproportionate amount of the cuts.  Given the importance that agriculture plays in America's food security and economic recovery, it is unclear how such disproportionate cuts are warranted or wise.  ASA is strongly encouraging Congress to reconsider the balance of funding cuts for the remainder of FY-2011.