Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) President Kent Peppler testified on behalf of the National Farmers Union (NFU) before the House Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management today to review farm safety net programs in advance of the 2012 Farm Bill.
“Our national farm and food policy is of critical importance to all Americans,” said Peppler. “As the number of farmers continues to shrink, the population of our country continues to grow and we must find a way to provide safe, affordable food for all. The public must know that if you eat you are affected by the Farm Bill.”
As farmers continue to endure some of the most difficult economic conditions in decades, NFU calls for the 2012 Farm Bill to address the new realities farmers and ranchers face, such as extreme volatility in market prices for commodities; extended periods of extraordinarily high energy costs; and the ongoing exodus of young people and job opportunities from rural areas.
“As progress is made toward the 2012 Farm Bill, the needs of future farm programs must be a priority,” said Peppler. “The farm bill might not solve all problems, but it can take great strides toward strengthening rural America.”
In his testimony, Peppler brought attention to several farm safety net programs that should be considered in the 2012 Farm Bill, including direct and countercyclical payments, disaster programs, crop insurance, supply management tools and reserves.
NFU looks forward to working with Congress to write the 2012 Farm Bill. House and Senate Agriculture Committees and Subcommittees will continue hearings into the fall.
Source: NFU
Posted by Kaci Switzer
