Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) is pleased the United States Senate passed the farm bill, and is optimistic the House of Representatives Republican leadership, with the help of the Democratic minority, will use common sense to compromise and negotiate a farm bill that benefits American family farmers and consumers. "The Senate passing the farm bill is a step in the right direction, and one that family farmers have been waiting for and deserve, so in the next five years they can be certain there will be stability for programming for farmers while they provide food, fuel, and fiber to our nation," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. "Minnesota Farmers Union is pleased this legislation provides a strong safety net for farmers, a solid crop insurance program, as well as protections for livestock farmers. We will continue to work with members of Congress to get this farm bill done before extensions expire September 30."
Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Al Franken both voted for the bill. The House of Representatives is currently scheduled to take up their version of the farm bill the week of June 17. If the House passes a farm bill, it will then lead to a conference committee between the two bodies to iron out the differences, before final passage, and then to President Obama's desk for signature. Some items of contention will likely include: crop insurance, immigration, payment limitations, conservation, dairy subsidies, and cuts to the food stamp program. Extensions to some farm bill provisions were made at the end of 2012, which expire September 30, 2013.
Minnesota Farmers Union (www.mfu.org) standing for agriculture, fighting for farmers.
6.11.2013