Senate Announces Farm Bill Mark-Up
The Senate Agriculture Committee confirmed today that it will mark up its version of the 2012 farm bill next week. Members are scheduled to begin work at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 25. The committee has stated the legislation reforms farm policy, consolidates and streamlines programs, and will reduce the deficit by $23 billion.
The National Corn Growers Association is grateful that the Senate Ag Committee developed a plan that saves taxpayers money while strengthening initiatives that help farmers, ranchers and small business owners create American jobs.
"At a time when the United States is borrowing 42 cents on every dollar spent, we are pleased to see the Senate Agriculture Committee be responsive to our federal deficit crisis," said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer. "We are delighted that the Senate Agriculture Committee is moving forward with the 2012 farm bill at a steady pace and look forward to continuing the process."
Farm Groups Weigh In as Senate Begins Farm Bill Mark-Up In a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) this week, a group of eight prominent agricultural associations, including NCGA, voiced its support for the Senate's approach to the 2012 Farm Bill, and raised several issues related to commodity and risk management programs. Co-signed by NCGA, the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Sunflower Association, U.S. Canola Association and USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, the letter commended the committee for adhering to its original proposal of $23 billion in deficit reduction, brought forth to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction last fall. Additionally, the groups applauded the Committee's decision not to restructure the federal crop insurance program or to reduce its funding for deficit reduction purposes. Click here for the letter. "Even with the clear and real need to reduce our federal deficit, it remains in the best interest of our nation to help ensure a basic level of risk management for farmers and our food supply," said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. "Farming is a risky business. There is no doubt about that, and crop insurance is a key principle in the goal to provide farmers a dependable safety net." For the whole story, click here.
This Earth Day, NASCAR Drives Home Environmental Benefits of Ethanol
This Sunday, NASCAR, Kansas Speedway and several of NASCAR's Official Partners will showcase the environmental sustainability programs that take place each week at racetracks across the country in celebration of Earth Day. These efforts, taking place every day and at NASCAR races year-round, are part of the sport's NASCAR Green initiative which shows the value NASCAR places upon the environment through real-world, sustained action.
NCGA, along with many state corn associations and the American Ethanol partnership, will help play a key role in promoting an aspect of NASCAR Green supported by agriculture and environmentalists alike, the sport's move to a 15 percent ethanol fuel blend.
"Our promotion of mid-level ethanol blends through our partnership with NASCAR, including the events in Kansas this Sunday, constitutes one of the largest, most aggressive educational efforts that farmers have ever undertaken," said NCGA NASCAR Advisory Committee Chair Martin Barbre. "Farmer investment of checkoff dollars, through NCGA and state organizations, makes carrying out such visible, national activities possible and demonstrates the value modern agriculture places on shining a public spotlight on the environmental and economic benefits of this important biofuel."
For the whole story, click here.
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