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May 4, 2001

AFBF: support ag assistance

Citing continuing concerns over the condition of the agricultural economy, American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman recently sent a letter to Congress urging support for $9 billion in federal income assistance for America's farm and ranch families during the 2001 fiscal year.

AFBF, joined by 22 other farm groups, initially made the funding request in February when Congress began reviewing the federal budget.

"The conferees on the Fiscal Year 2002 budget resolution will soon begin the difficult task of merging budget resolutions passed by the Senate and House of Representatives," Stallman stated. "The resulting blueprint of federal spending and tax cuts provides an opportunity to assist our nation's farmers and ranchers."

Stallman pointed out that existing program payments have risen sharply in recent years due to historic slumping prices and low farm income, coupled with weather and disaster-related losses.

Adequate safety net

Stallman also said spending levels established by the budget resolution would determine the size and scope of the next farm bill. He cited the importance of the budget resolution to provide sufficient funding to "develop a farm bill that will provide an adequate safety net for farmers and ranchers" and adequately fund efforts such as conservation, rural development, research and export programs.

Stallman urged Congress to "support the highest possible level of agricultural funding in FY 2002 through FY 2011 in order to ensure the next farm bill provides farmers and ranchers with an adequate safety net." He stated that Farm Bureau also supports $350 million of funding outlined in the Senate budget resolution to help livestock producers implement unfunded mandates.