Farm Bureau Says It’s Time to Implement Farm Bill

Representatives for the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Farmers Union all testified before a House Ag Subcommittee Wednesday to review the implementation of the 2008 Farm Bill. Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman told lawmakers it’s time to implement the bill and outlined several components of the bill that need quick action - including disaster assistance, payment eligibility and the collaboration between the IRS and USDA. He said the farm bill touches the lives of every U.S. producer - and Farm Bureau wants to ensure their best interests are of paramount importance during the implementation process.

Stallman noted many farmers faced major disasters in 2008 - yet there are still no rules for the disaster program or a target date for when producers will receive assistance. He told the General Farm Commodities and Risk Management subcommittee these rules need to be released so those farmers who had their operations devastated can receive help.

Regarding payment eligibility - Stallman expressed that the rule put forward in late December needs to be fixed by 2010. While USDA is making progress - he said delays have left a great deal of uncertainty in the countryside this planting season. And when it comes to collaboration between the IRS and USDA - Stallman said Farm Bureau will be watching closely - noting any proposal allowing IRS information to become public through the Freedom of Information Act is unacceptable to the group.