FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 13, 2008

Farm Bill Delay a Disappointment

GREAT FALLS, MT (March 13, 2008) – The Montana Farmers Union released the following statement today regarding Congress’ decision to extend the current Farm Bill legislation for an additional month.

“We are disappointed by the delay,” said MFU President Alan Merrill.  “From our vantage point it sounded like a compromise was within reach.” 

“There are good provisions in both the House and Senate versions of the bill that are worth working for, including gains in renewable energy, implementation of country-of-origin labeling, and a permanent disaster fund.  MFU thanks the Montana Congressional delegation for its hard work on this issue, and urges them to continue pushing forward. 

“We would like to remind everyone that while it is generally called a ‘Farm Bill’ there really are many more people and programs included in the bill than those affecting farmers and ranchers.  The current bill distributes approximately $600 billion over 10 years, with two-thirds of that funding going to public nutrition.  The remaining funding is partitioned to cover such items as crop supports, exports, stewardship, agricultural research, forestry, biofuels and rural development.

“With spring planting just around the corner, agriculture producers across the state will be needing to secure operating loans, and it is important that the country’s financial institutions understand the constraints they will be working within.  We sincerely hope that a compromise can be reached and that the next few weeks of extra time are used wisely. 

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