FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 25, 2008

Contact:  Sandy Courtnage

Montana Farmers Union Urges Congress to Pass a Farm Bill

GREAT FALLS, MT (Jan. 25, 2008) – The Montana Farmers Union (MFU) today urged members of Congress to proceed with negotiating a compromise between the House and Senate versions of the Farm Bill, and it released the following statement.

“Montana Farmers Union supports many of the provisions found in the House and Senate versions of the 2007 Farm Bill.  Of particular interest is maintaining the safety net for Montana agriculture producers, passing a permanent disaster assistance mechanism, implementing country-of-origin labeling (COOL), and ensuring the passage of renewable energy, conservation and nutrition increases that reside in the current bills.

“I have to admit to some frustration with the lack of progress right now,” said MFU President Alan Merrill.  “Both the House and the Senate versions of the Farm Bill have important provisions in them that we want to see go forward.  Unfortunately, the Administration, at this point, is threatening to veto any compromise that might come out of a conference committee even prior to the committee meeting.”

“The Montana Farmers Union urges the passage of a Farm Bill prior to the current expiration date of March 15, which would leave only a few legislative days for a final farm bill to be signed into law.  If a new farm bill is not enacted before the 2008 harvest, the non-expiring provisions of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 and the Agricultural Act of 1949 (or permanent law) take effect.

“The Montana Farmers Union prefers a negotiated agreement between the House and Senate that the President signs, but will support reverting to permanent law, if necessary, rather than support another extension of the 2002 Farm Bill.”

-30-