When the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the 2007 farm bill, members gave Oklahoma farmers and ranchers a chance to prosper. That’s the assessment from the leader of the state’s largest farm organization.
“I believe this legislation provides farmers the opportunity to succeed while providing an economic safety net,” said Steve Kouplen, Beggs, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
Commonly referred to as the 2007 farm bill, the official title of the farm legislation is the Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act.
Despite at times strong opposition from reform-minded politicians, Congressional leaders stood firm in supporting commodity-based programs that provide a basic level of public investment.
Kouplen said the legislation allows farmers to grow crops based on market demand by using direct payments decoupled from a specific commodity.
“The market should determine what crops we produce, not government programs,” Kouplen said.
Farmers, especially in Oklahoma, are forced to deal with the harsh realities of Mother Nature. Combine weather woes with volatile crop prices and Kouplen said it is apparent why producers need this legislation.
“This year is a good example, with the blizzard, late freeze and spring floods, destroying crops and livestock, of how difficult it can be to produce food,” Kouplen said.
The House-passed version slashes $20 billion from the 2002 farm bill while providing $1.6 billion in new funding for specialty crop research, conservation, pest and disease programs and nutrition.
“This is a fiscally-responsible bill with adequate funds to help agriculture,” Kouplen said. “Consumers should know they will also benefit from this bill as it ensures a safe, secure and abundant food supply.
“We applaud Congress for passing legislation that will help all Americans,” Kouplen said.
Other important aspects of the House legislation include assistance for young and beginning farmers and provisions to help farmers grow crops for home-grown renewable fuels.
