FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2008

Contact:  Sandy Courtnage

Farm Bill Statement by Montana Farmers Union

GREAT FALLS, MT (April 28, 2008) – The Montana Farmers Union (MFU) issued the following statement about the recent Farm Bill conference committee deliberations.

“We are encouraged by the news this past weekend that Farm Bill negotiators seem to have reached agreement on a number of critical points that may lead to passage of a new Farm Bill.

“Of particular interest to MFU was the fact that the permanent disaster relief fund remained in the document.  National Farmers Union and the state Farmers Union organizations were among the first to suggest this idea, and we wish to thank Senator Max Baucus, his staff and others who have worked tirelessly to find a way to fund this important safety net feature for agricultural producers.

“In addition, we are gratified that the country-of-origin labeling provisions negotiated earlier in the process also remain – a factor that will benefit all consumers.  Needed increases in nutrition programs and conservation also resulted.

“We are hopeful that the conference committee will agree soon, and that Congress and the president will work quickly to approve a new Farm Bill.”

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