 "Perhaps, as much as any policy specifics, we are concerned about
the timing of the next farm bill," said Philip Nelson, president of
the Illinois Farm Bureau. "Given the current farm bill is set to
expire, Illinois Farm Bureau insists -- above all else -- that
Congress work swiftly and in a bipartisan fashion to bridge any
remaining regional and policy differences and pass a farm bill that
the president can sign before the end of the year."IFB supports a
farm bill that encourages the full productive capabilities of U.S.
agriculture, provides essential risk management tools, recognizes
the positive contributions made by farmers and landowners to our
national's environmental resources, and addresses the basic
nutritional needs of all Americans.
Nelson also said that while IFB is committed to fiscal
responsibility and supports the level of budget savings in the
Senate bill, it's important for Congress to remember that the
federal budget must account for the needs of many, including
farmers.
Additionally, IFB outlined its priorities for the 2012 Farm Bill,
including the need for a strong safety net for producers across the
country.
"During more than a year of policy review from June 2010 to
August 2011, IFB members agreed that crop insurance is by far the
most valuable component of the farm policy safety net and should
serve as the cornerstone of the 2012 Farm Bill," Nelson said.
In addition to maintaining a strong crop insurance program,
Nelson welcomes the Senate's Agriculture Risk Coverage program,
which provides protection from sharp multiyear declines in market
prices. He said IFB also supports the Senate bill's focus on
streamlining conservation programs and the priority the bill places
on working lands programs like the Environmental Quality Improvement
Program.
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 Finally, IFB supports administrative cuts to USDA nutrition
programs, without affecting beneficiaries, as well as a continued
emphasis on eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in the
$80-billion-a-year food and nutrition budget that accounts for
roughly $4 of every $5 in farm bill spending.
___
The Illinois Farm Bureau is a member of the American Farm Bureau
Federation, a national organization of farmers and ranchers. Founded
in 1916, IFB is a nonprofit, membership organization controlled by
farmers who join through their county Farm Bureau. IFB has a total
membership of more than 420,500 and a voting membership of 82,973.
IFB represents 2 out of 3 Illinois farmers.
[Text from file received from
Illinois Farm Bureau]
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