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January 21, 2000

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Farm policy an issue for 2000
While congressional leadership differs on whether farm policy should be revamped, some lawmakers expect at least some reworking of the market-oriented policies instituted with the 1996 farm bill.

"I think there’s enough desire on the part of my farm-state colleagues to make some changes," said Rep. Jo Emerson (R-Mo.), a member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee. She praised Ag Chairman Larry Combest (R-Texas) for scheduling farm policy hearings from February through March in Washington, D.C. and seven to 12 regions across the country.

U.S. farmers face shrinking exports for wheat, corn, soybeans and other crops, sending prices into a nose-dive. The Agriculture Department does not have an optimistic outlook for 2000.

Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman agreed with Combest’s interest in reviewing farm policy.

"And we shouldn’t wait until the expiration of the farm bill in 2002," he said. "The fact is, with two years of emergency payments to farmers, Congress has already seriously amended the farm bill. What is needed now is a thought-out, well-balanced farm bill..."

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Dick Lugar (R-Ind.) does not intend to hold hearings because he sees no need to alter current farm policy. Fellow committee member Pat Roberts (D-Kan.), a key player in the development of the 1996 farm bill, says it is hypocritical for lawmakers to blame the farm bill for a failing safety net when its components, including a crop insurance overhaul, aggressive trade policies and regulatory and tax reforms, were never instituted.

Outstanding YF&R, Discussion Meet winners

Darrell Glaser (center) was named Outstanding Young Farmer & Rancher at the TFB Convention. Above, left to right, is Shannon Glaser, holding Trenton Glaser; and Dennis Griffin of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty, who presented the Glasers with a new Cummins diesel engine powered Dodge truck.

El-Lissy tapped for APHIS post
Osama El-Lissy, program director for the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, on Jan. 1 was named national boll weevil education coordinator for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the USDA agency charged with supporting the nation’s eradication program.

El-Lissy will remain in Texas for several weeks to help prepare for the first full-season phase in the state’s five newest zones—the Western High Plains, the Northwest Plains, the Permian Basin, the Northern Rolling Plains and the El Paso/Trans Pecos—all of which completed the fall diapause program this year.

El-Lissy stressed that his new role should not be a cause of concern for Texas cotton producers.

"Nothing will change," he said. "The program will continue just as it has."

El-Lissy will continue to be available to consult with the Texas program, according to Lindy Patton, TBWEF executive director.

"We will be forever grateful for the hard work and dedication Osama has provided this state’s eradication program," Patton said. "He continues to be committed to the program and fortunately will still be in a position to do whatever is necessary to help the program succeed."

El-Lissy joined the TBWEF in 1994 as program director. He served as interim director of TBWEF in 1997 and was instrumental in developing and organizing the Texas program.

Notable Quotables
"Concerns over the safety of these foods and the environment impact of genetically enhanced crops have risen dramatically in recent months. Though it seems highly unlikely that the continued development and use of these products will be banned, labeling and perhaps additional regulation may increase costs in the food system and, ultimately, affect retail prices."
Federal Reserve Economist Mike Singer on biotech crops. Although he said the crops hold great promise to improve the environment and promote human health, he worries that increased regulations on the crops could counter positive contributions.