The 2008 Food and Energy Security Act
Agriculture is the largest sector of our economy in North Dakota. As an industry, agriculture employs about one in every five North Dakotans, and more than a quarter of rural North Dakotans. It also provides our state with a unique identity in which one is never far from the land.
The success of our farmers and ranchers in North Dakota can be attributed to their hard work and ingenuity. However, a solid federal farm policy is crucial for our agriculture producers to overcome trade advantages held by our global competitors, and helps farmers and ranchers maintain their operations through market swings and natural disasters.
As a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I have been working closely with Iowa Senator Tom Harkin and Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, respectively, to craft a new five-year Farm Bill.
I've been focused like a laser on the Farm Bill for months because there's probably no bill more important to North Dakota's economy than the Farm Bill. After months of negotiations, the framework for a deal is now in place, and it includes key provisions for North Dakota farmers and ranchers, including an enhanced farm safety net and provisions to encourage the production of domestic and renewable sources of energy.
In the following pages, I provide an overview of 2008 Farm Bill and how it will benefit our farmers and ranchers and our rural communities.
KENT CONRAD
United States Senate
Conrad Applauds Passage of New Farm Bill
Statement from Senator Kent Conrad on Passage of the Farm Bill in the House of Representatives
What the Farm Bill Means to Every American
Statement from Senator Kent Conrad on House-Senate Conference Agreement on Farm Bill
What the Farm Bill Means to Every American
Conrad Helps Broker Final Deal on New Farm Bill
Conrad: Farm Bill in Final Stretch
Statement from Senator Kent Conrad on the Extension of the Farm Bill
Conrad to Help Negotiate Farm Bill's Final Details
Senator Prepares for Final Round in Farm Bill Battle
Senate Passes New Farm Bill
Conrad: Bipartisan Farm Bill Back on Track
Conrad Details Farm Bill Progress
Conrad Helps Broker Deal to Move Farm Bill Forward
Farm Bill Helps Preserve Land, Conrad Says
Conrad Shifts Focus to Energy in Farm Bill
Conrad Unveils Impact of Senate Farm Bill
Ag Panel Nears Vote on Farm Bill, Conrad Says
Conrad Announces Bipartisan Farm Bill Deal
Business Leaders Join Senator on Farm Bill
Senator Updates Fargo on Farm Bill
Senate Panel Passes Conrad Ag Disaster Plan
Conrad Urges Leaders to Include COOL in Farm Bill
Conrad, Peterson Gather Input from Family Farmers
Conrad: It's Crunch Time for Farm Bill Negotiations
Conrad Briefs Governor on Farm Bill Negotiations
Ag Leaders Give Conrad Feedback on New Farm Bill
Conrad Calls On Community to Weigh In on Farm Bill
Conrad Warns of Fight Over Farm Bill
Support for Farm Bill Strong, Conrad Says