Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer and Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner on Congress' Announcement of a New Farm Bill
Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer: "Today, the United States House and Senate announced the completion of a farm bill that unfortunately fails to include much needed reform and increases spending by nearly $20 billion. At a time of record farm income, Congress decided to further increase farm subsidy rates, qualify more people for taxpayer support, and move programs toward more government control. We should not remove farm commodities from market forces and make them dependent upon government support programs. In addition, Congress decided to include a new permanent disaster program. This program represents a return to outdated farm policy and questions the government's investment in crop insurance which was designed to protect farmers against low commodity prices and crop failures. This action will discredit farm programs and jeopardize public support for future farm bills." The press conference was held Washington, DC. 05/08/08 (USDA Photo 08di1359--12)
