Johanns Tells Growers USDA will not Oppose WRDA
Growers meeting with the ag secretary ahead of Commodity Classic presentation learn that the Bush Administration won't stand in the way.
Willie Vogt 
Published: Mar 3, 2006
Confusion over the Bush Administration's stance on a key transportation issue got clarification at the Commodity Classic today in Anaheim, Calif. The point of contention was the administration's position on the Water Resources Development Act. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns clarified the administration's position on the measure with corn and soybean leaders ahead of his talk to at the general session of the Commodity Classic.
 Ag Secretary Mike Johanns clarified the administration's position on a key transportation infrastructure measure that had concerned corn and soybean commodity group leaders.
According to sources within the group, the secretary told leaders at a morning breakfast that USDA knows the importance of the transportation infrastructure and that WRDA is not a budget issue. Johanns reassured leaders that the administration would not stand in the way of the measure. "This is the news we wanted to hear," says one group leader, adding that they didn't expect outward support for the measure.
During the general session at the Commodity Classic today in Anaheim, Johanns told farmers "The administration will work with Congress and not oppose their efforts on the front relative to the Mississippi and Missouri rivers," he says.
WRDA is a key policy point for both corn and soybean growers as the measure, which has already cleared the U.S. House and a key Senate subcommittee. The measure, which would repair and upgrade an aging river transportation system is viewed as an important issue as farm groups work to keep up with global competitors.
During a press conference after his speech Johanns notes that the Bush Administration "has always understood the importance of the lock and dam system and the transportation infrastructure."
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Tagged: soybean, farm, usda, soybean commodity
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