FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 19, 2007

Contact:  Sandy Courtnage

MFU Supports a Permanent Disaster Program

GREAT FALLS, MT (Sept. 19, 2007) – Montana Farmers Union (MFU) President Alan Merrill and several MFU members are in Washington, D.C. and have been visiting with members of Congress about the 2007 Farm Bill.

High on the list of MFU priorities is a permanent disaster program.  The House version of the farm bill authorizes a permanent disaster program, but because of budget constraints, the resources were not included to fund the program.  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), however, last week offered a tax package that would provide funds to create a permanent disaster program.

“We commend Senator Baucus for listening to the concerns of Montana agriculture producers, and for his strong commitment to finding the resources and a resolution to the inadequate way disaster assistance has been handled in the past,” said MFU President Merrill. 

According to National Farmers Union, Congress has approved 23 ad hoc disaster assistance bills totaling $47 billion since 1998.  Each time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must develop and implement a different program and producers generally have a long wait for relief.  For example, the fiscal year 2007 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill contained disaster aid for 2005, 2006 and 2007 losses and sign up procedures were just recently announced.

“Montana’s Congressional delegation has been very receptive to the idea of a permanent disaster program,” said Merrill.  “In July at the Farm Bill field hearing held in Montana, I told Senators Baucus and Tester that Montana Farmers Union thinks permanent disaster assistance is a critical part of an adequate safety net and should not be conducted in its current ad hoc fashion.  I thank them for listening, and I encourage the entire Senate to support Senator Baucus’ effort to fund a permanent disaster program within the farm bill.”

-30-