FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2008

Permanent Disaster Important Component of Next Farm Bill

GREAT FALLS, MT (April 10, 2008) – Montana Farmers Union President Alan Merrill made the following statement regarding the first farm bill conference committee meeting between the House and Senate that took place this morning.

“The fact that the House and Senate have named conferees to the Farm Bill and have had their first meeting this morning is encouraging.  With the April 18 deadline looming, all conferees have their work cut out for them.

“We are disappointed that the House proposal excludes a permanent disaster program, something that Montana Farmers Union members feel is an important safety net component that is particularly important in these very volatile economic times.

“With the cost of production rising to unprecedented levels, farmers will be going out on a long limb economically just to seed a crop.  If they should not be able to harvest a crop, or if crop prices drop, as they surely will at some point, they will be in a disastrous economic situation. 

“Montana’s Congressional delegation understands this situation and we thank them for their support of permanent disaster.  In particular, we would like to commend Senator Max Baucus, as chair of the Senate Finance Committee, for his leadership on this issue.  He has heard Montana farmers’ concerns and has worked steadfastly in their behalf.

“We urge the Senate to reject the House’s latest proposal, yet continue to work for a bill that will benefit Montana agriculture producers.”

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