Louisiana Lawmakers Back Federal Farm Bill

By Anonymous

Members of Congress from Louisiana voted Wednesday in support of a long-stalled farm bill that will deliver more dollars to public nutrition programs and cut subsidy to the wealthiest farmers. The $285 billion Food, Conservation and Energy Act also includes provisions to aid growers of key Louisiana crops, including sugar, rice, pecans and sweet potato.

“This year’s farm bill shows a dedication and partnership with Louisiana’s and the nation’s farmers that are due our increased support,” said Rep. William Jefferson, D-New Orleans. Jefferson said that the more than 2 million people in Louisiana who rely on public food benefits would be helped by the legislation.

Under the bill, funding for public feeding programs including food stamps and school lunch programs would rise by $10.4 billion over 10 years. Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-New Orleans, and David Vitter, R-Metairie, also voted in support of the bill.

Under the bill, subsidies would be cut to farmers earning more than $750,000 in annual farm income, or married farmers who earn more than $1.5 million. Individuals who make more than $500,000 or couples who make more than $1 million jointly in nonfarm income also would not eligible for subsidies.

The bill also includes:

– Specialty crop block grants for crops including sweet potatoes and pecans;

– Disaster aid to sweet potato farmers;

– Aid for U.S. cotton textile facilities;

– A provision to maintain uniform loan rates for all classes of rice; and

– A market balancing mechanism that will protect sugar growers and manufacturers from pressure created by the opening of the U.S. market to unlimited imports from Mexico.

The compromise bill could be delivered to the White House by the middle of next week, seven months after it was expected to be complete. Despite majority support from both the House and Senate, President Bush has threatened to veto the bill.

Credit: CityBusiness Staff Report

(Copyright 2008 Dolan Media Newswires)

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