Veneman Aides Working with Committee on Farm Bill

October 12, 2001

Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman Thursday said USDA officials are working with the Senate Agriculture Committee in an effort to forge a farm bill that will look more like what the Bush administration wants as opposed to the House bill that the administration refused to support.

The next farm bill that replaces the 1996 law next year "should help more farmers in need; it should better equip the U.S. to expand trade opportunities; it should give our farmers more conservation and environmental tools; and it desperately needs to address the critical infrastructure needs in research, pest and disease prevention and food safety – that are vital to protecting our farmers and our food supply," she said in a speech to the National Chicken Council.

"We are committed to working with the Senate Agriculture Committee – and our team is assisting as they draft specific farm bill language. Our hope is that we can address our concerns and come together with both the Senate and House to forge policy that best meets the most critical needs – of a broad range of farmers and producers – and that will best prepare them to compete in the global marketplace."

Veneman also returned to the policy proposals USDA issued last month, particularly the agricultural infrastructure and how it relates to the security of the nation's food system. "USDA has taken the necessary steps to ensure our programs and services are responsive to potential threats," she said. "Our inspectors are on heightened awareness at ports of entry and in food processing plants. We have stepped up security at appropriate USDA facilities. We are coordinating with other federal agencies such as the FDA, CDC, Customs and law enforcement agencies on biosecurity issues. And, we are examining our responsibilities -- looking at our short and long term needs to ensure we continue to protect America's food supply and agriculture against pests and disease of any kind.

However, on a more broad basis, she added, Congress and the administration need to focus on strengthening programs, research, food safety and other structures that keep the food supply safe. "It is extremely critical that we are prepared in case we ever faced an emergency situation – regardless of whether it is a plant pest, animal disease or food safety issue," she said.

USDA is providing grants of $1.2 million to more than 30 states to help them states better prepare and coordinate emergency preparedness activities and protection against animal diseases. "These grants will augment programs to strengthen training, purchase equipment, test emergency programs and response mechanisms, and examine new technologies to assist in detecting and combating animal diseases, Veneman said. "It calls for a much greater emphasis on our infrastructure policies as they relate to our food and agriculture system and the world we live and compete in today."