Texas Corn Farmers Praise House Passage of Farm Bill
Lubbock, TX (PRWEB) January 29, 2014 -- After five tedious years of debate, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Agricultural Act of 2014, the farm bill, today with a vote of 251-166. For farmers across the state of Texas, the news is welcomed, according to the Corn Producers Association of Texas.
“The agreement on the farm bill presented by the conference committee is one that serves the bill’s role in ensuring food supply for our country, while also allowing for approximately $23 billion in 10-year savings for taxpayers,” Jimmy Wedel, a corn farmer near Muleshoe, Texas, and president of CPAT, said.
The bill offers the nation’s corn farmers two risk management approaches, keeps conservation programs intact, and strengthens crop insurance. This enables farmers with tools so they can determine the appropriate program that will ensure their farms’ ability to endure natural travesty or market shortcomings.
“The farm bill is designed so such programs should only come into play should our farm industry face hard times,” Wedel said. “However, the security of a five-year bill is important for farmers in Texas as we’re looking to make long-range plans for our farms.”
CPAT Executive Vice President David Gibson expressed gratitude for the commitment of the farm bill conference committee, and House and Senate agricultural committees put into the development and movement of the bill.
“We’re thankful for the hard work of the conference committee, and the strong leadership of House Agriculture Chairman Frank D. Lucas (R-Okla.), Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) for successfully conferring a commodity title that’s impartial to any particular region, while achieving necessary reform and cutting the deficit – saving taxpayers’ money.”
Gibson also commended the notable work of the House and Senate agriculture committees, including Texas representatives K. Michael Conaway (TX-11), Randy Neugebauer (TX-19), Pete P. Gallego (TX-23), and Filemon Vela (TX-34).
“CPAT’s work isn’t done yet, as we look to pass this bill through the Senate and on to the President,” Gibson said. “Our organization will continue its efforts on behalf of the state’s corn farmers to get a five-year bill in place that provides for long-term agricultural planning our farmers need, and secures the high quality, affordable food American consumers expect and deserve.”
Stephanie Pruitt, Texas Corn Producers, http://www.TexasCorn.org, +1 (806) 763-2676, [email protected]
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