FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Missouri Farmers Union: Senate Passes Positive Farm Bill WASHINGTON (December 14, 2007) – Missouri Farmers Union commended the U.S. Senate today, following Senate-passage of a farm bill that will benefit Missouri’s family farmers, ranchers and rural citizens. “I am very pleased to see the Senate approve a farm bill that benefits not just Missouri’s family farmers, but rural residents and consumers,” Missouri Farmers Union President Russ Kremer said. “Although the bill is far from perfect it contains monumental programs such as implementation of country of origin labeling, measures to help restore competition and new marketing opportunities for our farmers.” The Senate farm bill supports producers by maintaining a strong safety net and creating a permanent disaster assistance program, a top Farmers Union farm bill priority. “Producers across Missouri have been affected by weather conditions out of their control and this program will provide a much-needed helping hand during their time of need. I applaud the Senate for passing this legislation,” Kremer said. The Senate farm bill makes steps toward reform by increasing spending for nutrition, conservation, renewable energy, rural business development and specialty crop programs. “I thank our Senators, Claire McCaskill and Kit Bond, for their steadfast support of Missouri producers and her support of this farm bill,” Kremer said. Other highlights include a livestock competition title, including a ban on packer ownership, establishment of an Office of Special Council and voluntary arbitration. Additionally, the Senate farm bill will allow for interstate shipment of state-inspected meat. The 2002 Farm Bill expired September 30 and Kremer urged members of the House and Senate to act quickly to pass a conference report and the President to sign the bill into law. # # # |
