Extending the 2002 farm bill

Members of the House subcommittee on general farm commodities and risk management are flirting with extending the commodity title of the 2002 farm bill, which was offered by Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan.. Several members have spoken so far, all in support of the 2002 farm bill extension. Not having video of the hearing, it seems support is bipartisan so far. It looks as if the 2002 farm bill will be extended, with some tweaks and changes added along the way. While this may be what the Farm Bureau wants, it certainly begs the question of where all the talk about a more equitable farm bill has gone.

Back in 2004, Moran told The Packer, "If we get split, program crops versus specialty crops, our chances of success are greatly diminished," he said. However, Moran not only wants the 2002 farm bill extended, he wants money for a permanent disaster relief program and money for rebalancing loan rates for program commodities.

Where is the money for f/v priorities?

Chuck Conner of the USDA said the current farm bill offers the best support during the best years, and the least help during a bad. "I don't believe it was the intent of the committee to provide the least when a farmer has a total wipeout." He also criticized the committee for not providing funds for young farmers.

One member from North Dakota spoke of support of permanent disaster funding and real payment limits on farm program payments.

In the end, it was a unanimous vote for extending the commodity title of the 2002 farm bill.
18 in favor and zero opposed.