June 14, 1999

More than 20 farm organizations are behind a move to convince the White House to support $6-8 billion for farmers to make it through another year of low commodity and livestock prices. They met Friday with President Clinton's chief of staff, John Podesta, who made no promises but acknowledged persistent problems for farmers.

According to REUTERS, Podesta told the groups, "We know we've got a crisis and we know we're going to have to deal with it and we'll be there this summer" when crops are harvested and prices are expected to be low for a second consecutive year. Included in the groups lobbying the White House for support were the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union and the National Association of Wheat Growers.

They also want tax relief for farmers. Among the bills pending in Congress that would provide tax relief for farmers is one to allow self-employed taxpayers to deduct 100% of health insurance costs. Another would allow farmers to contribute up to 20% of their annual income to tax-deferred savings accounts over five years. The money could be used in years when income declines due to low prices.