Farm Bureau, Farmers Union call for farm bill completion, will stand behind chairmen and ranking members
December 04, 2013 | 01:47 PM
The American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union have both issued statements calling for rapid completion of the farm bill.
In a statement issued today, Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman said his group stands behind the leaders and will try to “help close ranks” among farm groups on remaining issues.
“It is time, once and for all, to unify behind a farm bill that works for all of American agriculture, including crop, livestock and fruit and vegetable growers,” Stallman said in a statement. “As a nation, we cannot afford to do otherwise."
“The best way for us to do that is to trust those who have brought us this far," Stallman said.
"The American Farm Bureau Federation wishes to go on record in strong support of congressional Agriculture committee chairs and leaders. We believe that through the leadership of Ag Committee leaders — Chairman [Frank] Lucas, [R-Okla.], Chairwoman [Debbie] Stabenow, [D-Mich.], ranking member [Collin] Peterson [D-Minn.] and ranking member [Thad] Cochran [R-Miss.] — working in conjunction with the committee conferees, we will get a farm bill done, and it will be a farm bill that works for all commodities and all regions.”
“We must move forward. It is time to let our leaders lead. The American Farm Bureau Federation will do what it can to help close ranks on any remaining issues — for the good of the whole of American agriculture, consumers, our hard-working farm and ranch families and the rural communities they support.”
National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson issued a statement Tuesday.
“The 113th Congress is making history for the wrong reasons,” Johnson said. “Their lack of action on so many pieces of legislation has made them one of the least productive in history. There is still time, however, to take action and complete the farm bill under the steady leadership of the Senate and House agriculture committees.”
"There has been talk of passing extensions for portions of the bill, including dairy programs,” said Johnson.
“This approach is wasting precious time and not providing certainty or reform. Instead of picking and choosing issues or putting off a real solution, the best approach for all Americans is to finish a comprehensive bill so that the president can sign it into law this year. We urge the members of the conference to come to a principled agreement and have a draft available for consideration as soon as possible.”
In a statement issued today, Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman said his group stands behind the leaders and will try to “help close ranks” among farm groups on remaining issues.
“It is time, once and for all, to unify behind a farm bill that works for all of American agriculture, including crop, livestock and fruit and vegetable growers,” Stallman said in a statement. “As a nation, we cannot afford to do otherwise."
“The best way for us to do that is to trust those who have brought us this far," Stallman said.
"The American Farm Bureau Federation wishes to go on record in strong support of congressional Agriculture committee chairs and leaders. We believe that through the leadership of Ag Committee leaders — Chairman [Frank] Lucas, [R-Okla.], Chairwoman [Debbie] Stabenow, [D-Mich.], ranking member [Collin] Peterson [D-Minn.] and ranking member [Thad] Cochran [R-Miss.] — working in conjunction with the committee conferees, we will get a farm bill done, and it will be a farm bill that works for all commodities and all regions.”
“We must move forward. It is time to let our leaders lead. The American Farm Bureau Federation will do what it can to help close ranks on any remaining issues — for the good of the whole of American agriculture, consumers, our hard-working farm and ranch families and the rural communities they support.”
National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson issued a statement Tuesday.
“The 113th Congress is making history for the wrong reasons,” Johnson said. “Their lack of action on so many pieces of legislation has made them one of the least productive in history. There is still time, however, to take action and complete the farm bill under the steady leadership of the Senate and House agriculture committees.”
"There has been talk of passing extensions for portions of the bill, including dairy programs,” said Johnson.
“This approach is wasting precious time and not providing certainty or reform. Instead of picking and choosing issues or putting off a real solution, the best approach for all Americans is to finish a comprehensive bill so that the president can sign it into law this year. We urge the members of the conference to come to a principled agreement and have a draft available for consideration as soon as possible.”
