Washington, D.C. -- The Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee today approved a bill authored by Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) to provide $75.7 billion in appropriations funding for programs and activities of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and related agencies for fiscal year 2001.

"The bill provides the resources to continue to support U.S. agriculture by enabling farmers and ranchers to be more efficient, assuring food safety, and breaking down barriers to trade," said Cochran, who chairs the subcommittee.

The legislation includes an increase of $60.4 million over last year's funding levels for agriculture research and extension programs. The Agriculture Research Service will receive $871.6 million, and the activities of the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service are funded at $964.8 million.

Cochran said, "The research programs funded in this bill are necessary to ensure high standards for food quality, improve agriculture production techniques, and promote and implement innovative technology to increase competitiveness in the world marketplace."

The bill provides $3.1 billion in authorized loan levels for agricultural credit programs for farmers.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service is funded at $678 million, an increase of $28.9 million above last year. An additional $24 million is also provided for food safety activities of the Food and Drug Administration, which is also funded in this appropriations bill.

The Subcommittee approved $4.56 billion for rural housing loans and $680 million for rural housing rental assistance. In addition, rural economic and community development programs will receive $634.4 million for loans and grants for rural water and sewer facilities.

In addition, the bill includes $867.6 million for the various conservation programs of the Department of Agriculture, an increase of $63.4 million more than last year.

It also provides $35 billion for federal nutrition assistance, including the school lunch and breakfast programs, food stamps, and the WIC program.

The bill will be considered by the full Senate Appropriations Committee early next week.