USARPG Letter to MO Editors

, November 18, 2005 —

Letter to Editor:

As an agricultural producer and owner of a business directly tied to production agriculture in Southeast Missouri, I would like to thank Senators Jim Talent (R-MO) and Kit Bond (R-MO) for their recent votes to honor the commitment made to America’s farmers and ranchers in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.

Unfortunately, too many legislators continue efforts to break the 6-year promises made to farmers by attempting to reduce payment limits for farm support. Such action would only serve to weaken the current safety net for production agriculture. That safety net helps ensure that Americans continue to receive the safest, most abundant and affordable food supply of any country in the world. This is not a luxury that should be taken for granted. Consider that U.S. consumers spend only 10 percent of their disposable income on food compared to 22 percent in the U.K., 25 percent in Spain and 26 percent in Japan, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

And while it is true that 10 percent of farmers receive approximately 72 percent of farm supports, that same 10 percent is also responsible for over 72 percent of production. It only makes sense that those responsible for producing our food and fiber are the people our policies are intended to support.

In addition to ensuring a stable food supply, our farm policy is in fact a rural policy that provides support for thousands of rural businesses across the country that are an integral part of American agriculture. Without a strong farm policy such as that provided by the 2002 Act, the economic health of rural America would suffer from decreased land values and an erosion of equity that would be felt throughout the rural economy.

Also, with World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations underway, now is not the time for Congress to consider unilaterally dismantling U.S. farm policy. That would serve only to weaken our negotiating position and lessen the ultimate benefit realized from trade liberalization.

Our nation’s farmers and citizens of rural America should be thankful for the representation of Missouri’s Senators and their commitment to a strong, effective farm policy.

Sincerely,

Paul T. Combs

Chairman

USA Rice Producers’ Group