June 15, 1999

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) will propose, perhaps as early as today, that the Senate agriculture appropriations bill include $6.5 billion for farmers. Farm families "are on the ropes," he says, and "in jeopardy of losing their livelihoods and life savings." The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives says without relief, net farm income will decline by nearly $3 billion.

Harkin's amendment to the appropriations bill would provide more assistance and income support through the so-called freedom to farm payments being made under the current farm law. Dairy income assistance, cotton marketing assistance and assistance to pork and other livestock producers as well as aid to soybean farmers would be included.

A similar amendment to the supplemental appropriations bill last month failed in conference by a 14-14 vote. Harkin may offer the amendment during the ag appropriations bill markup.

NCFC wants Congress and the Clinton Administration to support farm disaster relief, international agricultural trade and cooperative initiatives but did not mention the Harkin effort. "We believe such action during this session of Congress is essential to address the current challenges facing America's farmers and ranchers," said NCFC Chairman Noel Extenson, CEO of Cenex Harvest States.

The council supports economic assistance for farmer to combat declining commodity prices and weather-related natural disasters; effort by farmers and ranchers to be more globally competitive and supports policies that enhance the ability of farmers and ranchers to join in self-help efforts. Without relief, says NCFC, net farm income could decline by nearly $3 billion.

For trade, NCFC advocates fast-track negotiating authority, sanctions reform legislation that addresses unilateral trade sanctions and embargoes, normal trade relations for China, full funding for USDA's export and market promotion programs and improved waterways infrastructure and access to a competitive transportation system.