Farm Policy

July 10, 2001

The Congress had a week back home in the country to listen to their constituents. We listened to them just before they headed to the country.

The Senate Ag Committee hearing didn't do very much to clarify what we're looking forward to in terms of farm policy. I was in a meeting with Secretary Veneman last week and she wasn't able to shed much light on this complicated question.

She seemed to be saying that we need policy that takes into consideration the whole food chain -- farmer to consumer -- comprehensive policy. When you get into specifics, I'm not sure exactly what that means. Undersecretary J. B. Penn made the point that trade policy must be closely linked to our domestic ag policy. Let's expand trade through reform of trade rules. The President desperately needs trade promotion authority. Senator Lugar pointed out that agriculture is twice as reliant on trade as the rest of the economy. One of Senator Harkin's priorities is an expanded package of conservation in the farm bill.

Here is what I think:

Yes, the next farm bill will be greener than the last.
A creative approach to market development must be found because the World Trade Organization rules are closing in on us.
Farm commodities that you never heard of are reaching to get their hand in Uncle Sam's farm program cookie jar.
After the new bill is written, the principles found in Freedom to Farm will still be there.
Although Senator Leahy and Chairman Combest talk about completing a new farm bill this year. I say, "Fat chance!"

There is no consensus and the deadline is next year

Until next week, I am John Block from Washington.