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Vilsack releases report on USDA’s need for farm bill

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released a White House report on USDA programs that calls for quick passage of a new farm bill.

Vilsack said the report was prepared by the Council of Economic Advisers and the White House economics team. It will be available to the general public on both the USDA and White House web sites.

In a call to reporters, Vilsack said the report shows the importance of a range of USDA programs and the need to renew them in the farm bill.

The section on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program stresses the importance of the program not only to low-income people who need food but also its role in economic activity. He also said he has been pleased to see news reports that Congress is focusing on SNAP policy rather than the size of the cut to the program.

Vilsack also said the farm safety net is important not only to farmers but to consumers because it assures a food supply. He said he considers crop insurance to be “the linchpin” of the safety net, but that crop insurance needs to be backed up with commodity programs.

Vilsack said he directed USDA staff to be ready to implement the bill as quickly as possible after it is passed, but said he could not commit to a schedule until he learns exactly what his responsibilities will be.

Commenting on a White House meeting with the biofuels industry Wednesday on the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to lower Renewable Fuel Standard volumetric requirements, Vilsack said he had told the industry leaders that they should file comments on the proposal, but that they should also be aware that the decline in U.S. gas consumption has increased the need focus on the need to make E-85 and other higher blends available to consumers.

Vilsack said the administration and USDA in particular are committed to helping make those blends available.