REFRESH Act
The Rural Economic Farm and Ranch Sustainability and Hunger Act of 2011
On October 5, 2011, Senator Lugar, along with Congressman Marlin Stutzman in the House of Representatives, introduced the REFRESH Act which saves $40 billion in taxpayer money, reduces subsidies and reduces regulations.
On August 25, 2011 Senator Lugar, along with Congressman Marlin Stutzman, hosted a farm bill listening session at the Allen County Fairgrounds to discuss the new farm bill with Indiana farmers. Lugar's new farm bill will include cuts in subsidies and phase-out of direct payments to farmers. Stay tuned for more news and updates on the new farm bill.
Farming Flexibility Act of 2011
Saving Money and Creating Jobs in Indiana
On July 28, 2011, Senator Lugar re-introduced the Farming Flexibility Act of 2011 which would save taxpayer dollars, create Hoosier jobs and allow farmers more flexibility while limiting the role that government plays in the farming industry.
"Farmers are more profitable when they make their own planting decisions based on markets as opposed to government policy," Lugar said. "The Farming Flexibility Act of 2011 will reduce government’s role in American farming and reduce government spending by $8 million dollars over ten years while adding American jobs and supporting family farms. It is a valuable expansion of the Planting Transferability Pilot Program that was included in the 2008 Farm Bill, based on the proven benefits for American farmers, processors, and consumers.”
In 2008, Congress passed a Farm Bill that continued draconian restrictions on the planting of fruits and vegetables, measures that threaten the livelihood of many farmers and hard working Hoosiers that grow and process these products.