MFU Calls on Congress to Approve a Farm Bill this Year

GREAT FALLS, MT (Nov. 9, 2007) – The Montana Farmers Union (MFU) called on Congress today to work productively to pass a Farm Bill by the end of the year, and issued the following statement.

“MFU President Alan Merrill said that the time to get something done is quickly slipping away. This is the time of year when producers start making plans for the next planting season, and need to bring some certainty to their discussions with their bankers.

“At the present time, Congress has one week of work scheduled prior to Thanksgiving recess, and is scheduled to return to work December 3.

“As it stands now, there are some excellent provisions that have the potential to be lost if the Farm Bill debate gets bogged down in amendments that are not pertinent to the issue at hand.

“In the House version of the bill, a country-of-origin labeling agreement has been included that is vitally important to producers and consumers across the country. And in the bill before the Senate, funding has been identified for a permanent disaster program.

“Both of these issues, as well as an adequate safety net for producers, are crucial to Montana agriculture and rural communities.

“We urge the Senate to keep their eye on the ball and resist all efforts to stall or derail the passage of a 2007 Farm Bill.”

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300 River Drive North • PO Box 2447 • Great Falls, MT 59403 • PHONE 406 452-6404 • FAX 406 727-8216 • TOLL FREE 1-800-234-4071