A total of 12 farm organizations sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate's agriculture committee last week requesting it hold a hearing on agricultural rail issues.
The letter read, in part: "As you know, the agriculture industry depends heavily on a strong and financially viable railroad system. However, since the passage of the Staggers Act of 1980, the degree of rail captivity in agriculture has increased dramatically, and America's farmers continue to experience both unreliable service and higher rates from the railroads•
"We ask that you consider holding a hearing on agriculture shipper issues in the near future to allow producers to discuss the current situation and examine possible remedies. A hearing would give your committee the opportunity to learn more about this problem and some possible solutions to it. Improving shipping conditions for agricultural producers is essential to the continued functionality and growth of the agriculture industry."
The organizations signing this letter included: American Farm Bureau Federation; American Soybean Association; National Association of Wheat Growers; National Barley Growers Association; National Corn Growers Association; National Farmers Union; National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; National Sorghum Producers; North American Millers Association; The Fertilizer Institute; USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council and USA Rice Federation.
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