Priorities For The 2007 Farm Bill

By Rep. Stephanie Herseth
January 28, 2005
 

Growing up on my family's fourth-generation farm and ranch near Houghton, SD, I know firsthand the challenges facing farmers and ranchers in South Dakota.  And I’m pleased to be able to represent our state on the House Agriculture Committee as we begin to debate the next Farm Bill.  

As it does every five years, Congress is beginning to contemplate significant changes to our national Agricultural policy.  The 2002 Farm Bill is set to expire in 2007, and the House Agriculture Committee will likely begin holding hearings on the next Farm Bill during this Congress. 

In the 2002 Farm Bill, Congress significantly improved the safety net for family farmers and ranchers, increased funds for important conservation programs, began to link energy policy and farm policy, and authorized a number of programs to help grow rural economies.  Given the realities of the federal budget, and a growing hostility by some in Washington towards family farm programs, we’ll have our work cut out for us as we work to craft a fair farm bill that does right by South Dakota producers. 

Looking Forward 

In 2001, when the last Farm Bill was drafted, America enjoyed a projected multi-billion dollar budget surplus.  Those surpluses have since turned into a record budget deficit, and those opposed to farm programs will use the budget situation to argue for significant cuts in the 2007 Farm Bill. 

The challenge for the bipartisan coalition of farm state Representatives will be to protect both the current funding levels and the safety net for family farmers.  

Shortchanging the next farm bill would be a terrible mistake.  Access to a safe and domestically produced food supply is a matter of national security, and we must take reasonable steps to insulate American farmers and ranchers from production and price risks in a volatile marketplace.  Additionally, as American producers face increasing competition from heavily subsidized European farmers, we must make sure that our farmers have the tools necessary to compete in the global marketplace. 

2007 Farm Bill Priorities 

For most South Dakota producers, the Commodity Title is the most important component of the Farm Bill.  This title provides the safety net that protects farmers from the often drastic price swings that are common in agriculture.  Protecting these programs will be a top priority. 

In recent years, the Conservation Title has played an increasingly prominent role in farm programs.  Programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) protect our environment, preserve our soil, and provide habitat for wildlife.  Newer programs like the Conservation Security Program (CSP) also encourage producers to improve stewardship practices.  The program has been well received, and I will work to protect conservation programs in the 2007 Farm Bill.   

The 2002 Farm Bill was the first one ever to contain an Energy Title which provided incentives for renewable fuels programs like ethanol and bio diesel.  These programs play a key role in our state’s quest for additional value added development, and I will work to strengthen programs that encourage investment in renewable fuels. 

The existing Farm Bill also contains language that provides producers with enhanced access to agricultural credit, programs to encourage agricultural research, and important forestry provisions.  Importantly, it also contains a Rural Development Title that provides critical funding for rural housing, business development, utilities and a host of other vital rural economic development programs.  I welcome the opportunity for a robust debate on rural economic development priorities, and we’ll work to increase economic opportunities in rural America. 

Finally, the 2002 Farm Bill required a mandatory country-of-origin (COOL) labeling program effective September of 2004.  Unfortunately, the implementation of the program has been delayed.  I will continue to work to resolve this issue this year, but if it remains unresolved, we can take the fight to the 2007 Farm Bill.  

In terms of its effect on South Dakota’s economy and quality-of-life, the Farm Bill is among the most important pieces of legislation that Congress periodically debates and passes.  As South Dakota’s lone voice in Congress, and as a member of the Agriculture Committee, I am committed to working with Republican and Democratic colleagues around the country to ensure that the next Farm Bill meets the needs of South Dakota’s – and America’s – farmers and ranchers for years to come.