FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, July 9, 2007

Contact:  Sandy Courtnage

Farm Bill Consideration to begin July 17

GREAT FALLS, MT (July 9, 2007) – The Montana Farmers Union (MFU) commends Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Collin Peterson, (D-MN), for his recent work on the 2007 Farm Bill.  On Friday, July 6, 2007, all titles of the Chairman’s Mark were released for full committee consideration.

“This is a first step among many that will contribute to the building of a new farm bill,” said MFU President Alan Merrill.  “We commend Chairman Peterson for his work.” 

“One of the first statements in the Montana Farmers Union program and policy charges the board to work to promote a price balance between sales and cost of farm operations,” said Merrill.  “Our members believe a priority for the new farm bill should be profitability.”

Another priority with MFU members is a permanent disaster program.  We are encouraged that a permanent disaster program made its way into the Reserve Fund En Block amendment.  This “second bill” includes a reserve fund for agriculture that may be allocated to the farm bill, which will be presented for consideration by the House as additional funding is obtained.

“We expect the discussions ahead to be detailed and productive,” said Merrill.  “I pledge that MFU will work with our Congressional delegation to ensure Montana’s agricultural goals are represented in the new bill.”

-30-